Women face unique challenges when pursuing STEM careers. Stereotypes about their abilities begin early, often undermining their confidence in mathematical and technical skills. Social and cultural factors lead females to opt out of STEM courses. In Denmark, only one in three of those admitted to higher education in STEM fields are women – a proportion which has remained unchanged since 2011. High5Girls works to empower girls and young women aged 13-19 through science camps, mentoring programmes, mother-daughter events and summits. 

The Hg Foundation’s £45,000 grant, combined with funding from TrackUnit, will enable the establishment of High5Connect – an app providing girls with a space to explore learning resources, practice doing, network and be mentored by STEM professionals. 

This is a cause that we are extremely committed to. We firmly believe that all these industries will benefit greatly from a better gender balance in the workforce. At Trackunit, we’ve been working hard to attract more women to the technology sector. The work that The Hg Foundation and High Five Girls does to open these doors to young women plays an integral role in breaking down barriers and delivering real opportunity.

We are delighted to be launching this partnership, as it allows us to kick start a new, virtual High5Girls universe. We need a place where girls and role models can keep in contact in between on-site events. The app will also enable us to reach girls in rural and hard-to-reach locations, and those whose parents cannot bring them along to on-site events. This will transform what High5Girls can offer.