The timing could not have been better. Just when astronomers revealed the discovery of seven new planets in a distant solar system, SI Germany announced Sophia.T gGmbH as the winner of its 5th Soroptimist Prize for a project which provides orientation help to young women intending to embark on engineering studies in pursuit of careers in aerospace or alternative energies. proTechnicale is an eleven-month, gap-year course for young women between high school graduation and university that helps them develop technical skills. The €20,000 endowment will finance a full scholarship and additional workshops in philosophy, rhetorical skills and improvisation theatre.
I congratulate SI Germany on its choice of a prizewinner because it perfectly embodies our biennium motto,‘Soroptimists Invest in Education’, and more specifically, the emphasis on STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) for studies and careers.