New 10K Scholarships Support Women in BC’s Growing Tech Sector

BC TECH SUMMIT 2018 – Women studying computer science, math and engineering can now apply for a $10K scholarship designed to increase the number of women in these traditionally under-represented tech professions. At least one of these scholarships will be dedicated to a woman of Indigenous ancestry.

The Irving K Barber BC Scholarship Society announced the scholarship at the BC Tech Summit after receiving a $500,000 grant for the purpose from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training”.

“We need so many more women in tech. The women in technology scholarships encourage students in computer science, engineering, and math to keep pursuing their dreams,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “We need to inspire a new generation of women, and Indigenous women, to work in tech and diversify the workforce to meet the growing need for skilled tech workers.”

The tech sector in B.C. is one of the fastest growing sectors of the provincial economy generating approximately $29 billion in revenue, supports over 106,000 good-paying jobs and it is home to more than 10,200 businesses. However, it is estimated that women represent only about 25 per cent of the tech workforce.

“It is hugely important to recognize not only the contribution that women can make to the increasingly important computer and engineering sciences, but the contribution that women already make,” said Rajiv K. Gandhi, chair of the Irving K Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society. “This scholarship is a good first step in recognizing hardworking women pursuing careers that undoubtedly will shape our world in ways we don’t even begin to comprehend. IKBBC is pleased to play its part.”

By 2027, there are expected to be 83, 400 tech-related job openings such as computer programmers, engineers, data scientists, information system analysts, and software designers.

“One of the smartest things we can do to power our technology business sector is to bring more talented women into the field,” said Jill Tipping, president and CEO of BC Tech Association. “The tech industry and our society stand to benefit from having more women involved and this scholarship is another way to inspire young women to think of tech for their future.”

“Women directly benefit when we work together to increase capacity in our province for technology industry needs,” said Robyn Quinn, chair of Island Women in Science and Technology, “private and government organizations also reap benefits of an expanded and diverse tech workforce.”

Learn More:

Women in Technology Scholarship applications are available at: http://www.ikbbc.ca

For more information about this scholarship – including detailed eligibility criteria – or to learn more about the Society’s other scholarship and award programs, visit www.ikbbc.ca or call the Society at 844-478-4645

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Media contact:

Rory Grewar

Victoria Foundation

250-381-5532

www.ikbbc.ca

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