Deadline extended to Friday, May 24, 2019. 

The non-profit organization Ciencia Puerto Rico (CienciaPR) and Johnson & Johnson, invite 9th to 11th grade girls who are interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering, math, manufacturing and design (STEM2D) to apply to "Seeds of Success – STEM Girl Ambassadors Program"(http://bit.ly/semillas-triunfo). As part of the initiative, a series of workshops will be held to train a group of "STEM Ambassadors". The workshops will be led by scientists and engineers who are part of "Borinqueña", a community created by CienciaPR that celebrates Puerto Rican and Hispanic women in science and technology.

During the workshops, participants will carry out science and engineering activities with the Borinqueñas and will have the opportunity to learn about STEM2D careers.  In addition, they will visit scientific laboratories to see academic research environments up close. The sessions will also include design thinking and leadership exercises, to help the young women develop science outreach projects that may reach more girls in Puerto Rico. The workshops are free of cost and will be offered in two regions:

• Mayagüez – 10 de agosto y 7 de septiembre de 2019
• San Juan – 17 de agosto y 14 de septiembre de 2019

Cristina Grillasca, Ethicon LATAM Senior Sourcing Manager, indicated that "through our WiSTEM2D program, Johnson & Johnson is committed to increasing the participation of women and girls in science. We are excited to support this initiative to expose girls in Puerto Rico to the exciting world of STEM2D careers, which offer attractive and high-impact jobs.” Grillasca added that several female scientists and engineers at Johnson & Johnson will be participating in the workshops as Borinqueñas.

Dr. Giovanna Guerrero Medina, Executive Director of Ciencia Puerto Rico, explained that "following the workshops, participants will receive a mini-grant for their STEM2D Ambassador projects so that they can reach at least 30 additional girls each. The impact of the initiative will then be more than 3,100 girls throughout Puerto Rico. " The scientist highlighted that, in the past, the program impacted more than 160 girls from 119 schools and 54 towns throughout Puerto Rico, who in turn reached more than 10,000 people with their outreach projects. Participating girls also showed increased interest in STEM careers and self-confidence in their science and technology skills after the program.

Girls interested in participating in the workshop must complete the application available online at http://bit.ly/semillas-triunfo on or before Friday, May 24, 2019*. As part of the application, they must identify and confirm the participation of a mentor who will help them in the development of their STEM2D Ambassador project. A total of 100 students will be selected.

In addition to Johnson & Johnson, the program also has the support and contribution of volunteers from Abarca Health. For more information about the program, you can write to semillas.triunfo@cienciapr.org.

*Deadline has been extended!