College-bound young women in North Carolina have an opportunity to explore over the summer careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics within the state government.
Ninth through 12th grade girls can apply using the online form now through Feb. 24 to participate in the four-week Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program that was established in 2019 by the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Council for Women and Youth Involvement.
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Women comprised 35% of the science, technology, engineering and mathematic workforce in 2023 and continued to earn less than their male counterparts, according to the U.S. National Science Foundation.
“The statistics are disheartening and, if left unchanged, the gender wage gap will not begin to close until year 2060 based on data collected from the Status of Women in North Carolina Employment and Earnings Report,” NCDOA Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza said in a release. “The Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program seeks to improve the outlook for North Carolina women, allowing local students to actually see what they can be in state government STEM careers.”
Candidate interviews will take place in March and selected applicants will be notified of placement in April. The paid mentorship program will run weekdays July 7 through Aug. 1. Students are expected to work 40 hours a week and will earn a $1,700 stipend at the end of the program.
Participating state agencies include the departments of Administration, Commerce, Environmental Quality, Health and Human Services, Information Technology, Natural and Cultural Resources, Public Safety, Revenue and Transportation, as well as the Governor’s Office, the Office of State Budget Management and the Office of State Human Resources.
