Applications are due THIS FRIDAY, November 4th!!!
Women's Maker Program
Residency Overview
Spring 2023 & Fall 2023
Program Mission
Women (including cis women and trans women) are in need of a community as well as safe space amongst themselves to learn as individuals invested in growing in the STEM field.
We strive to provide a supportive community and space, devoid of damaging stereotypes, so that the program participants’ ideas are heard and highlighted rather than overlooked. We also strive to be an ally of other marginalized genders (including but not limited to non-binary, and those who are otherwise marginalized or questioning) in STEM by sharing our program resources and applying gender inclusive best practices in the design and implementation of the program.
In addition, we aim to build a pipeline for girls/women to continue pursuing studies and work in STEM from middle school to early careers. We also aim to increase program participants' confidence and interest in STEM and makerspace technologies, improve their sense of belonging in the STEM field, and better prepare them for future careers in the STEM workforce via the following program design:
Provide educational opportunities of makerspace technology to bridge experience gap
- Connect to role models that participants can learn from and look up to
- Provide opportunities to work on community projects to develop participants' confidence in solving real-world problems
- Provide opportunities to teach and inspire the next generation to pursue STEM majors
- Provide resources, guidance and internship opportunities for career development
Our Values
Diversity
Diversity is the representation of all our varied identities and differences (race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, tribe, caste, socio-economic status, thinking and communication styles, etc.), collectively and as individuals. We seek to proactively engage, understand, and draw on a variety of perspectives. We believe that the solution to the problems we hope to address through our program can be found by affirming our similarities, as well as by finding value in our differences.
Inclusivity
Inclusivity builds a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people. We believe every person’s voice adds value, and we strive to create balance in the face of power differences. We believe that no one person can or should be called upon to represent an entire community.
Community Oriented
We make it a top priority to actively develop relationships and seek partnerships within the University community, Charlottesville and surrounding counties to collaborate on program design and implementation, gather feedback, gain deeper understanding of community problems, and better serve the community.
Equity
Equity seeks to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity, and fairness in access to information and resources for all. We believe this is only possible in an environment built on respect and dignity.
Commitment
We commit to continuously improve our practices of designing and implementing the program to achieve diversity, equity and inclusivity.
Program Overview
You are not alone
Women make up only *28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college. The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.
Because fewer women study and work in STEM, these fields tend to perpetuate inflexible, exclusionary, male-dominated cultures that are not supportive of or attractive to women and other marginalized genders. This leads to lack of motivation, support and sense of belonging ; frequent questioning of abilities ; as well as unnecessary stress and anxieties. If you feel being excluded in STEM as a woman or other marginalized gendered individual, you are not alone and this is not your fault.
28%
Join the women's maker program to:
Restore your confidence and interest in STEM
Gain access to resources and skill development
Connect with role models to get inspired
Join a Supportive Community of Makers in STEM
We strive to serve as a welcoming and safe environment for women (cis women and trans women) and other underrepresented gendered-individuals (including but not limited to non-binary, and those who are otherwise marginalized or questioning) to help build their confidence as well as interest in STEM-related fields and makerspace technologies.
This program will provide encouragement and educational opportunities to not only improve your sense of belonging in these fields, but also better prepare you for future careers in the STEM workforce. In addition, we hope to improve gender equality in the library makerspace to make sure that it is an inclusive space for all.
Change the future workplace for the better!
Participate Now TO:
Defeat the statistic!
Take hold of your future career!
Program Components
Career Prep
Connect with resources to Prepare For your Future Careers
Resources
Women's maker program residency
Gain access to resources and skilll development
Women's maker program Internship
Get real-world experience and customized support for your career development
Women's maker program community outreach
Be a role model for the next generation
Residency Overview
A library makerspace program to help increase residents’ confidence and interest in STEM and makerspace technologies, improve their sense of belonging in the field, and better prepare them for future careers in the STEM workforce
2023 Cohort
Spring 2023
- Learn makerspace technology at your own pace (approx. 5 hours per week)
Fall 2023
- Paid stipend ($12/h)
- Requirement Commitment: Approx. 5 hours per week
- Work in groups for community project implementation
Key Components of the Program
Participants will collaborate as two groups on semester long self-identified maker projects to solve a community problem
Participants will receive training on growth mindset, rapid prototyping methods and technology, such as design thinking and 3D printing, and other career skill development.
Participants will be connected to experts and resources on grounds for additional support.
Participants will work with library staff to design and facilitate a one-day maker camp for middle school girls as a way to deepen their learning of makerspace technology as well as to provide them with opportunities to serve as role models for the younger generation.
Participants will be provided with a stipend for participation, a mini grant for project supplies and implementation, as well as possible future internship positions at the Women's Maker Program.
MEET THE INTERNS
The 2023 Coordinators
Izabelle (Izzy) mcreynolds
Residency Coordinator
iam5qnz@virginia.edu
Izzy is the head of the coordinators and works to ensure the work of the Coordinators meets the needs of the WMP.
Brittany Sandoval-Rivera
Outreach Coordinator
bs6sxv@virginia.edu
Brittany assists with creating a network of communication channels with students and student groups to better market both the Residency and other initiatives of WMP.
Jade Pettaway
Career Coordinator
fky9wq@virginia.edu
Jade creates better awareness of the needs of students in developing career and professional planning, materials, and knowledge
Alessandra Paras
Marketing Coordinator
ksg5eu@virginia.edu
Alessandra assists with creating the brand and implementing the marketing needs of the WMP.
FAQs
Who can apply?
You need to fulfill all three criteria listed below to apply for the residency program.
- Female (including cis women and trans women) and other underrepresented gendered (including but not limited to non-binary, and those who are otherwise marginalized or questioning) individuals.
- First year full-time undergraduate student.
- Identify as a UVA STEM major or show strong interest in STEM.
What is the application process?
You will submit a completed application form electronically. We will review your applications after the application deadline. We may contact you for an interview and will announce the application results in late November.
When can I apply?
Applications will open on Oct 1st and the deadline is Nov. 4th.
Do I need to be a technical expert to participate?
No! The residency is designed for a wide range of backgrounds and we specifically encourage people with no makerspace technology background to apply.
Have more other questions?
Email us at womensmakerprogam@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @womensmakerprogramuva
Check out womensmakerprogram.com to reference last year's projects!
Thank you to our sponsor!
Contacts
@womensmakerprogramuva
womensmakerprogram@gmail.com
