On the eve of International Women's Day – March 8, A1 officially launches the second edition of the STEMfem Junior mentoring program, aimed at school-age girls. For half a year, a total of 45 schoolgirls from all over the country will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of technology and business under the guidance of highly qualified ladies from A1.
The second edition of the STEMfem Junior program once again attracts girls in grades 10, 11 and 12 who have a strong interest in STEM sciences and are excited about the world of technology. Unlike last year's edition of the program, this season will be held in a hybrid format to ensure access to participants from all corners of Bulgaria. This year, the program has an expanded scope, with the girls taking on technological, engineering and analytical roles in the company.
During the official opening of A1 STEMfem Junior, the young ladies met with their mentors, learned details about the upcoming months and participated in their first training. Among the guests was a participant in last year's edition of the program, now part of the A1 team, who shared her personal experience to inspire new talents to follow their dreams in the world of technology.
Miglena Uzunova-Tsekova, Senior Director „Human Resources“ and a member of the Leadership Team at A1
Miglena Uzunova-Tsekova, Senior Director „Human Resources“ at A1, welcomed the students with enthusiasm and inspiring words: „STEMfem Junior is not just a program - it is a direction for the professional future of young ladies. These tenacious girls have the potential to become future female leaders who will undoubtedly play a key role in the technological world. Our mission is to inspire them to pursue ambitious goals, to support their confidence and to give them the tools through which they can develop in the field in which they have a place and can achieve success.“
The talented young girls who enter the program are selected after careful selection based on their qualities and motivation. The mentors have proven professional experience and hold key positions in the company, and all of them have undergone specialized training in effective mentoring skills, thanks to which they can provide even better quality support to the young ladies.
Mihaela Balkova, participant in the first edition of A1 STEMfem Junior and current member of the A1 team
During the first five months of the program, the mentoring pairs will work on specific projects, but in addition, the girls will participate in regular meetings, will establish new contacts and undergo a series of business trainings related to upgrading technical knowledge and developing social skills. During the last month, the participants will have the opportunity to stay with the company on a paid internship, which will help them put the acquired knowledge into practice. The girls will also participate in a volunteer initiative, part of A1's ESG policy.
One of the mentoring couples in the program – from left to right: Veronika Bencheva, senior manager at A1 and mentor in the program and Ioana Stoyanova, a 12th grade student at Sofia Mathematical High School
At the end of the program, all talents will receive a certificate of successful completion, and those who excel will also be guaranteed financial support from the company for continued education at a higher educational institution.
With the successful launch of the second edition of STEMfem Junior, A1 continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting the development of women in the technology field. The program is another pillar for supporting young talents in the world of technology, as the telecom's strategy also includes partnerships with leading universities, internships in A1's technology units, lectures by company professionals and much more. More information about the program can be found on the A1 career page.