Steph McGovern, a prominent television presenter and advocate for women in STEM, has announced the launch of a scholarship aimed at supporting female students pursuing engineering degrees at Teesside University. The initiative, named the Steph McGovern Women in Engineering Scholarship, will provide financial assistance to every first-year, full-time female engineering student at the university.
The scholarship is made possible through a generous contribution of £44,000 from Enginuity, a charity dedicated to enhancing engineering skills across the United Kingdom. This funding is intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens that often accompany higher education, particularly in fields where women are historically underrepresented.
Empowering Women in Engineering
The introduction of this scholarship reflects a growing recognition of the need to support women in engineering, a sector that continues to face challenges regarding gender diversity. According to recent statistics, women make up only about 16% of engineers in the UK. By providing targeted financial support, the scholarship aims to encourage more women to enter this critical field and pursue careers that are vital for future innovation.
In her statement regarding the scholarship, McGovern emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women in engineering. She noted, “We need to break down the barriers that prevent women from pursuing careers in engineering. This scholarship is a step towards ensuring that financial constraints do not hold back talented individuals from achieving their potential.”
The scholarship’s launch is timely, as the UK government has set ambitious targets to increase the number of women in engineering and technology roles by 2025. Initiatives like this one contribute to a broader strategy aimed at fostering a diverse workforce capable of addressing the challenges of the modern economy.
A Commitment to Future Generations
Teesside University has expressed its commitment to supporting diversity in engineering through various initiatives, and the Steph McGovern Women in Engineering Scholarship is a significant addition to these efforts. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Croney, highlighted the importance of this scholarship in attracting more female students to engineering programs. “We are proud to partner with Steph McGovern and Enginuity to provide this scholarship. It is essential that we create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive,” he stated.
The first cohort of recipients will benefit from this scholarship in the academic year beginning in September 2024. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also encourages a new generation of women to consider engineering as a viable and rewarding career path.
As the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow, initiatives like the Steph McGovern Women in Engineering Scholarship play a crucial role in reshaping the landscape of the engineering profession. By investing in women’s education, this program aims to build a more equitable and innovative future for the engineering sector.
