Aerospace Xelerated has launched a 12-month global mentorship programme, targeted at university students and professional women.

The AX Women in STEM Mentorship Programme is designed to help mentees advance their careers in STEM fields, with a focus on aerospace and aviation.

The programme opened on Ada Lovelace Day, October 10, in honour of the pioneering English mathematician and writer.

The deadline to apply is December 10, 2023, and is open to women currently working in STEM or interested in pursuing a career in STEM, including founders, entrepreneurs, young professionals, students, freelancers, and ambitious women who want to break into the field and build up their network.

Despite efforts to inspire and engage women and girls in scientific pursuits, a persistent gender gap remains to full participation within the scientific community.

The current situation has a significant impact on the global economy – according to the UN, over the past decade, women’s exclusion from the digital sphere alone has shaved $1 trillion off the GDP of low- and middle-income countries.

Nichola Bates, managing partner at Aerospace Xelerated and head of global accelerators and innovation programs at Boeing, said: “Despite initiatives to tackle gender inequality in science, girls and women continue to be excluded from participating fully in the field.

“Gender gaps in education pathways persist, limiting access, preparation, and career opportunities in STEM. We strongly advocate for closing this gap and hope this mentorship programme will be another stepping stone in this direction.”

Aerospace Xelerated says it will match successful programme applicants with an experienced mentor who will work with them to build confidence and define and pursue their STEM career goals.

The AX Women in STEM Mentorship Programme is facilitated by the Boeing-led Aerospace Xelerated Accelerator Programme, which provides investment, mentorship, and support for start-ups and SMEs developing tech solutions for the aerospace industry and beyond.

Previous mentors from the Aerospace Xelerated programme have included Shelley A. Svoren, Infinite Branches founder and chief executive and International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) board member, Rachna Sharma Reiter, first officer A320, easyJet, and Aiir Innovations co-founders Cassandra Kayleigh Loor and Miriam Huijser.

More information about the AX Women in STEM Mentorship Programme can be found on the Aerospace Xelerated website.

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