MPL opens registration for Girls in STEAM program

Markham Public Library has opened registration for its Girls in STEAM program, inviting girls entering Grade 9 in the 2025–2026 school year to apply. The six-week program is designed to foster girls’ enthusiasm, explore career options, and increase their confidence in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Markham Public Library will host a Kickoff Event on Sept. 20 to begin the program. Successful applicants will attend Thursday meetups from Sept. 25 to Nov. 13 at the Angus Glen Library from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The library will host a closing event on Nov. 20.

Successful applicants will learn about coding, 3D printing, research proposals, and gender-based biases in STEAM across six lessons. They will also meet with mentors, network with industry professionals, and complete a project as they work towards getting a certificate for higher education applications.

Students can also earn volunteer hours by participating in the program.

Girls in STEAM creator Andrea Cecchetto said that she researched several studies on women and girls in STEM while creating the program. In particular, she referenced a 2017 Microsoft study as an early inspiration.

One of Cecchetto’s main takeaways was that girls started losing interest in STEM at around Grade 9. She referenced a lack of female role models and fewer supports for working moms in STEM fields as barriers for girls and women.

“I was very interested in math and science,” she said, relating to her own experiences. “I was good at it until about Grade 10 or so. And then I started kind of hitting a wall.”

Cecchetto said that she wants girls to come out of the program feeling empowered about their STEAM capabilities. She added that having the participants make meaningful connections with their mentors and each other was important to her.

“The thing I heard really consistently from the staff that were delivering the content [last year] – I mean, this is my observation as well – is that these were really impressive, committed [young women, and they were] engaged in putting themselves into these projects and having a lot of fun, but [they were] ultimately really fully invested,” she said, in regards to last’s years participants.

Registration is limited to girls attending Grade 9 in the 2025/2026 school year. Students must complete an online application form to explain their interests in STEAM and reasons for applying.

Students must also attach a reference letter from a reputable adult who can advocate for their interests, achievements, and work ethic. References must include their relationship to the applicant, examples of STEAM-based activities, interests, achievements, or awards, and their contact information in their respective letters. Examples of valid references include teachers, school counsellors, extracurricular activity leaders, mentors, and community leaders.

Applications are due on August 29. To apply, visit https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/girls-in-steam-application-form/.

Photo: Girls in STEAM is open to girls entering Grade 9 who are interested in science, technology, engineering, arts, or math.

*Story submitted by David Yin.