STEM Mentors for STEM Girls is a collaborative project between Bioteka Association and Netokracija. The project aims to engage 50 girls aged 14 to 19 from different Croatian cities in developing and implementing STEM projects that address the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. With the project, mentors want to empower girls to independently identify and solve community problems through activities, tools, methods, and mentorship.
Three-day ‘Girls own STEM’ camp
A three-day autumn camp was held as part of the larger Bioteka project called 'Girls own STEM,' in the Westin Hotel to address real-world issues and encourage girls to develop essential skills. Karla Andrić had the opportunity to meet the girls and other mentors and to observe their projects during the camp.
Speed networking method
On the second day of the ‘Girls own STEM’ camp, Karla Andrić participated in a speed networking program where each mentor engaged in eight-minute conversations with each STEM girl. This facilitated mutual introductions between the girls and mentors.
Modest yet ambitious in developing ideas, calm yet energetic in explaining projects—this is how I experienced the girls who are changing their surroundings. They are not driven by buzzwords or trends but by a genuine need for change. These are girls who think not only about 'today' but analytically and carefully care for the generations that will follow them. In observing them, I got the impression that they are not even aware of how significant they are in their uniqueness.
Karla Andrić
Support the girls’ projects with donations
Donations are currently being collected for the STEM Mentors for STEM Girls project from the Croatian business sector and individuals. If you appreciate what Bioteka is doing for girls in STEM and would like to support one of the girls and their project, contact the Bioteka Association.
Donate to STEM girls projects.
Donate to STEM girls projects.
Photo: Ante Gudelj