OK Youth!

The term STEM is a way of grouping together the related disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Although each sector is highly distinct from each other, they tend to fall under the same category of technical subjects as opposed to Arts and Humanities. 

In this blog, we display an overview of the STEM sector, the gender gap in STEM fields, the current day challenges that women in these fields face, and how OK Youth! tackles this issue with our most recent project, STEM Voices of Tomorrow, funded by the City of Toronto.

If you ever researched different careers especially those on the more technical side, chances are, you have heard the word Engineering being thrown around quite a lot. But have you ever wondered what the sector was truly like outside of the common notion of “it’s just building things”? Using applied science and mathematics, engineers solve technical problems that permit the design and building of systems and infrastructures are essential in shaping our communities and economics.

In our latest pursuits at OK Youth! we interviewed Meryam Alkhalaf, a recent nuclear engineering graduate and project coordinator at Aecon Group. We invited a group of middle school girls to discuss the various aspects and nuances behind her work and ask her their questions about her career. We hope our interview enlightened the students and peaked their interests in STEM fields!

If you’ve ever explored different careers in the sciences, you’ve likely come across fields like biology, chemistry, or physics. Like many of the STEM sectors, the science field is a ground where innovation thrives. Its activities in different fields and areas, such as physical sciences, earth sciences and life sciences have paved the way for new knowledge, discovery, and innovation, which will, in turn, contribute to the economy and improve healthcare delivery in medical fields. One such field where science plays a vital role is nursing—a profession that blends the art of care with the rigor of science. This involves pursuing knowledge to understand the natural and social world through observation and experimentation. 

Out of all STEM the fields,  nursing the only one that is female dominated. Nursing stands out as a STEM field where girls can explore science and step confidently into a healthcare career. It also provides a solid foundation for those who wish to expand into other medical fields, blending science, empathy, and practical skills. In our latest pursuits at OK Youth!, we interviewed Derya Kayaoğulu, an exemplary Clinical Nurse Educator at William Osler Health System, dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare with her profound expertise.