Colombian singer Karol G, known for her hit songs like “Tusa” and “Bichota,” is using her platform to make a difference in the lives of women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through her Con Cora Foundation. The foundation’s latest initiative, “Con Cora Geek Girls Scholarships,” aims to support and empower women in STEM fields across Latin America.
Addressing the Gender Gap in STEM
Despite the growing importance of STEM fields, women remain underrepresented in these areas. According to UNESCO, less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women, and only 30% of female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. The gender gap is particularly pronounced in areas like information and communications technology (3%), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5%), and engineering, manufacturing and construction (8%).
The Con Cora Geek Girls Scholarships
Karol G’s Con Cora Foundation, in collaboration with Geek Girls LatAm, has launched the “Con Cora Geek Girls Scholarships” initiative to address this disparity. The scholarships will provide access to two online courses:
- Cátedra GGL: Desarrolla tu Ser: Focuses on self-empowerment.
- Talentos 4.0: Potencia tu Hacer: Concentrates on mastering cutting-edge technologies.
Recipients will also gain access to the largest network of women in STEM across Latin America and opportunities for certifications in Women’s Leadership in STEM from Big Tech companies and universities.
Expanding Reach Across Latin America
The “Con Cora Geek Girls Scholarships” will be implemented in four countries: Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Guatemala. This initiative builds upon the Con Cora Foundation’s previous partnerships with Glasswing International on the “Rincón de la Calma” mental health initiative during Karol G’s “Con Cora Tour.”
Empowering Women Through Education
The Con Cora Foundation focuses on two key areas of action: promoting equity, equality, and empowerment for women participating in its programs and projects, and fostering profound transformation in the lives it touches. By providing scholarships and access to educational resources, the foundation aims to inspire and empower women to pursue their dreams in STEM fields.
Collaboration with Geek Girls LatAm
The “Con Cora Geek Girls Scholarships” are being implemented in collaboration with Geek Girls LatAm, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and connecting female talent in Latin America. Joanna Prieto, co-founder of Geek Girls LatAm, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “It is a great milestone for Geek Girls LatAm to continue carrying out our purpose of inspiring, empowering, and connecting the female talent of Latin American women along with Con Cora Foundation through the region to strengthen leadership and STEM skills so more women can be an active part of the future and together we can contribute to closing gender gaps in Science and Technology areas.”
Scholarship Application Process
Scholarship submissions for the “Con Cora Geek Girls Scholarships” are open from August 28 to September 4, 2024. Interested applicants can submit their applications at BecasCONCORAGGL.
Celebrating Latina Trailblazers in STEM
Karol G’s initiative aims to shed light on the accomplishments of Latinas in STEM fields and celebrate their contributions to breaking the glass ceiling. Despite the underrepresentation of Latinas in STEM, there are many inspiring women who have paved the way and excelled in their respective fields.
Conclusion
Karol G’s Con Cora Foundation is making strides in addressing the gender gap in STEM through its “Con Cora Geek Girls Scholarships” initiative. By providing educational resources, networking opportunities, and leadership development, the foundation is empowering women across Latin America to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This initiative not only supports individual women but also contributes to creating a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce. More about Scholarship opportunities
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