A total of 103 girls from Bonhoeffer College and Stedelijk Lyceum Kottepark Enschede, Montessori Hengelo, and Thorbecke College in Zwolle will be guests at the UT on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vosskühler-Van der Tuin is satisfied with the turnout. 'This number is about the maximum of what we can handle here now.'
Role models
According to Vosskühler-Van der Tuin, it is important that girls see role models in technology and science. 'They often have a somewhat traditional view of technology. That it’s physically demanding work, or in construction. We want to change that.'
Organised entirely by women, the day starts in the Waaier with an opening speech by Machteld Roos, Vice-President of the Executive Board, and by Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Sterre Mkatini. Afterwards, they can choose from two workshops to get a taste of science, 'From idea to design' and 'The power of bridges'. After lunch, there will be a tour of the campus and various lectures, for example on 'The physics of melting' and 'Electricity in the residential area'. There are also various experiments and tests, such as the activity 'Making Bubble Tea'.
Planting a seed
First of all, the organisation hopes that the girls will have a nice day and will be surprised by science. 'Maybe they like it more than they first thought and we have planted a seed for a future in technology. But it's also fine if they decide it's not for them. At least then they have a better picture of it.'
Effects still difficult to measure
Whether it will have an effect on the number of registrations at the UT is still difficult to say, Vosskühler-Van der Tuin indicates. 'This is only the third time we do this, so the first cohort of pupils has not yet finished secondary school. So we don't yet know whether this will make them choose UT or the technology at all.'
She does, however, want to keep more track and check in more often with the girls, whether or not they may start thinking about a career in science or technology towards their exams.
