University Collaborating with Secondary Schools to Encourage the Applications of Female Students in Underrepresented Fields
Outreach Programs in Collaboration with Secondary Schools to Increase Women’s Applications and Enrollment in Underrepresented Fields
To build on this progress, the university developed and organized a series of outreach activities. Faculty members from Walailak University visited secondary schools, conducting workshops and information sessions designed to spark interest in engineering, architecture, and science among female students as WU diagnosed that women are always underrepresented in the fields. These outreach programs provided hands-on experiences, interactive discussions, and insightful presentations, aimed at motivating female students to pursue careers in these fields.
Beyond workshops, the initiative also included mentorship opportunities, where successful female engineers, architects, and scientists shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. This direct interaction with role models helped to break down barriers and inspire confidence. By fostering a supportive environment and highlighting the possibilities within STEM fields, Walailak University’s collaboration with secondary schools played a crucial role in empowering the next generation of female engineers and scientists, ensuring a more diverse and inclusive future.
Figures : The School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, organizing outreach programs to encourage female students to study engineering.
Figures : The School of Architecture and Design, Walailak University, organizing outreach programs to encourage female students to study architecture.
Figures : The School of Architecture and Design, Walailak University, organizing outreach programs to encourage female students to study science.
Collaboration with government organizations to promote work placements among female workers
In 2023, Walailak University joined forces with government organizations in Phuket and Phang Nga provinces to enhance work placement opportunities for its students. A primary objective of this collaboration was to increase the representation of female workers in underrepresented fields such as engineering and architecture. This initiative aimed not only to encourage female students to pursue studies in these disciplines but also to guarantee that they would secure work placements in these traditionally male-dominated industries.
Moreover, the university worked closely with local businesses and industry leaders to create internship and job placement programs specifically tailored for female students. This ensured that they gained practical experience and built valuable connections in their chosen fields. By fostering a supportive environment and promoting gender diversity, Walailak University is committed to empowering female students to succeed and thrive in underrepresented industries.
Figures : The MOU signing ceremony between Walailak University and the workplaces in the provinces
Based on the measurement, in 2023, the engagement with the secondary schools resulted in the number of female graduates in STEM fields at Walailak University being nearly equal to that of male graduates, with both genders achieving a count of 263 graduates each. This balance demonstrates the university’s commitment to promoting gender equity in traditionally male-dominated fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Moreover, the number of female graduates in Health Science, as well as in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, surpassed that of their male counterparts. This trend highlights Walailak University’s broader efforts to ensure higher education opportunities for women, supporting gender equality across all academic disciplines. The university’s focus on fostering an inclusive academic environment aligns with its dedication to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, reinforcing the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and societal progress.
Through these efforts, Walailak University continues to provide equal opportunities for all students, helping to close the gender gap and promote equal participation in higher education and professional fields.
Related links:
https://engineer.wu.ac.th/?p=27729
https://engineer.wu.ac.th/?p=26519
MOU sicning with national government organizations
https://ces.wu.ac.th/registrar/refer/sdg2.asp?d=&y=2566&lang=
Outreach programs of the School of Architecture and Design
Outreach programs of the School of Architecture and Design in Bangkok
Outreach programs of the School of Science
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities