May 7, 2018– Thanks to the partnership of JA British Columbia and Arrow Transportation Systems, girls considering STEM related careers are receiving hands-on experience in a special JA Company Program called “STEMinists” piloting in Kamloops this spring.

Under the mentorship of women currently working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) roles, this after school Company Program for grade 9-12 girls is held in weekly two-hour sessions over the course of 16 weeks. The aim of the entrepreneurial and career building program is to empower a student team to brainstorm, design, market and sell a STEM related product or service. This endeavour is made possible thanks to the community investment program from Arrow Transportation Systems.

In Canada, women represent the majority of University graduates, but only account for 39% of STEM graduates. STEM careers can provide a higher earning potential and, according to Stats Can, can be linked to our “country’s competitiveness and economic prosperity.”

The product the student team developed is called Recycled Sounds, an eco-friendly speaker and smartphone accessory. The customizable device can be used for listening to music, watching videos and streaming services on all sizes and models of phones. Users also have the option to charge their phones and operate headphones. The STEMinists are currently gearing up for their first business pitch in early May.

“All of us at JABC are very excited about the STEMinists Company Program,” said Sheila Biggers, President and CEO of JA British Columbia. “This learning experience will help give girls the background, confidence and connections to help them find their place in STEM related fields. Plus the product idea is pretty great.”

“Young women need strong mentors and role models to help expand their perceptions about how STEM skills can be applied and get excited about future career possibilities,” said Jackie Charles, Chief Information Officer & VP Corporate Development of Arrow. “We at Arrow are so pleased to be a part of STEMinists – we strive to support the vitality of the communities in which we do business and what better way to do so than helping young women see new opportunities and possibilities.”

About Arrow

Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. is one of the oldest and most respected transportation companies in Canada. Established in 1919, Arrow focused on hauling general freight to BC’s rapidly growing Lower Mainland community. Since that time, the company has have evolved into a broadly diversified company that employs over 1,000 people in 34 different locations across Canada and the United States. Arrow specializes in commodity hauling, facilities management, logistics management, marine services, manufacturing, product distribution and technology development. Arrow is valued for its integrity, technology and innovative transportation solutions that exceed customer expectations. For more information visit arrow.ca.

About JA British Columbia

JA British Columbia (JABC) is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Since 1955, British Columbia schools have relied on JA to inspire and prepare youth to succeed in an ever-changing global economy. Last year, over 40,000 BC students benefited from JABC programs delivered free of charge by volunteers from local business communities, who bring their real-life experience into the classroom. JABC programs focus on work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, giving students the confidence and skills they need to become the next generation of business and community leaders. To learn more visit https://jabc.org.

 

Pictured above: STEMinists Company Program students with business mentors and their product Recycled Sounds. 

Left to Right: VP Sales – Tasia Linquist; Mentor- Cassandra Brake, Financial Advisor; Mentor- Kristi Hallam, Mechanical Engineer; President – Alia Sandeman-Allen; VP Production and Finance – Rohkeya Diaou. 

Not pictured: VP HR – Madison Young, VP Marketing – Sarah Baughan