For the second time in three years, young women in North Carolina interested in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) will have an opportunity to participate in a five-week paid internship designed in part to improve gender inequity and the gender wage gap.
Fifteen high school sophomore and junior women will work with NC state government leaders, and the application period to do so continues until February 28.
In a press release on the matter, NC Department of Administration Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell said, “The gender wage gap is an ongoing disparity not only within North Carolina but around the country. Preparing our state’s best and brightest in high-growth and high-earning fields such as STEM careers will help women and more families achieve economic security, reduce poverty and grow the state’s economy.
Interested students can apply for the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program now through Feb. 28. Program and application information can be found on the NCDOA website (click here). Candidate interviews will occur in mid-March and selected applicants will be notified of placement in April. The mentorship will run weekdays June 29 through August 5.
Mentees are expected to work 40 hours each week with 24 hours spent working side by side with women leaders as well as time on a group project. Field trips are included and a $2,100 stipend at the end of the program.
Participating state agencies include the departments of Administration, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Information Technology, Public Safety, Revenue, Transportation and the Office of State Human Resources.
Established in 2019 by the NC Department of Administration’s Council for Women and Youth Involvement, the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program seeks to improve gender inequity by providing college bound girls an opportunity to explore STEM-based careers within state government.
(written from a press release from the NC Department of Administration – click here)