The Summer School for Junior and Senior High School Girls 2024 (Natsugaku) is a three-day program designed to enhance the interest and curiosity of junior and senior high school girls in science and engineering fields. Through interactions with researchers, engineers, university students, and graduate students in these fields, participants deepen their understanding of career paths and academic choices in STEM.
This year, the event was held from August 10 to August 12 at the National Women’s Education Center (NWEC) in Ranzan, Saitama Prefecture. The program was supported by 40 female university and graduate students serving as teaching assistants (TAs), along with over 220 staff members from academic societies and companies in science and
engineering fields. A total of 116 female students from 25 prefectures across Japan participated. Together, they were introduced to the wonders of science and engineering.
From the participating students, we received wonderful feedback such as, “I was inspired by seeing others pursue their goals and dreams, and I made many friends. Watching the lively university students and adults made me want to become like them. I had been feeling anxious about entering society, but now I feel a bit excited about it.”
Although it was a short three-day period, We believe that interacting with many researchers and engineers active in the STEM fields enhanced the students to deeply appreciate the appeal of these fields and helped reduce their anxieties while boosting their confidence by envisioning their future selves. The external evaluation committee provided valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for participating students to share their experiences from Natsugaku in their schools and communities once they return home. They also suggested welcoming teachers for observation during the program, aiming to spread career education inspired by Natsugakul nationwide. We would like to consider these recommendations for the future.
Natsugaku has been supported by the warm intentions of those involved in encouraging junior and senior high school girls, overcoming various challenges such as becoming a nonprofit organization and hosting events online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We would like to express our gratitude for your warm support and ask for your continued assistance in supporting Natsugakul for the future of junior and senior high school girls.
For more information, please download the report below.
