US Embassy launches STEM education initiative for women, girls in Bangladesh

United States (US) Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller joined distinguished Bangladeshi scientists as well as STEM educators and students, today, to inaugurate a project aiming to strengthen the US – Bangladesh relationship by developing student-centred science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

The embassy-funded Strengthening US-Bangladesh Sustainable Relationship by Developing Student-centered STEM Education project was inaugurated at the capital's Brac Inn, read a press release.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Miller highlighted the importance of encouraging and supporting women and girls to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.

The two-year project is funded by the embassy's Public Affairs Section and will encourage female participation in STEM fields through targeted outreach to university-age students, nationwide STEM competitions and teacher training for STEM educators. 

Over 800 female STEM instructors across all eight divisions will receive training to help teach more effectively and on how to mentor women, girls and other minority community members about STEM careers.

Job fairs and career counselling focusing on opportunities in the technology sector will provide women, between the ages of 18-25, with the mentorship and resources needed to launch successful careers.

The nationwide STEM competitions are expected to engage young women and girls – especially from ethnic minority communities in Bangladesh. 

The Strengthening US-Bangladesh Sustainable Relationship by Developing Student-centered STEM Education project is one of the embassy's initiatives to strengthen and expand people-to-people ties and educational linkages between the US and Bangladesh.