As part of the Swiss TecLadies mentoring programme, around 400 young women have been given an insight into the diverse world of technology and IT since 2018. The positive response is evident from the feedback from participants and mentors. The surveys after each programme show a pleasing result.
But does the programme also mean that participants are more likely to choose a STEM career?
The Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW wants to know exactly. That is why the KOF Institute at ETH Zurich will be monitoring the mentoring programme for a total of three sessions. In order to measure the programme's impact, participants will be randomly selected from among the applicants. Those who are not accepted into the programme will join the control group. At the end of the programme, both groups are surveyed. Differences between the two groups can therefore be attributed to the mentoring programme.
The evaluation of the last implementation in 2024/25 indicates initial positive results:
Increase in interest: those participants who had a rather low level of interest in STEM subjects at the start of the programme were positively influenced by the programme and were more likely to choose a STEM degree course compared to the control group.
Value of the exchange: This is also consistent with the feedback from the participants. Around 90 per cent of the young women found the exchange with their mentor useful and maintained regular contact. Almost a quarter met once a month.
Usefulness of the activities: The other components of the mentoring programme, such as the company visits or the workshops, were also rated "useful" or "very useful" by almost 85 per cent of the mentees.
High level of satisfaction: Overall, 94 per cent of participants are "satisfied" with the programme - 59 per cent are even "very satisfied".
The impact of the programme will continue to be evaluated - the KOF Institute will also monitor the next implementation, which will start in September 2026.
Swiss TecLadies, the SATW's young talent development programme, is an innovative mentoring programme for young women* between the ages of 14 and 19. It offers the opportunity to explore the world of technology through inspiring and diverse activities. The programme is implemented in collaboration with dedicated mentors with technical professional experience. Each mentor accompanies and supports one participant personally for the entire duration of the programme.
The next programme in 2026/27 will start in September 2026 and the registration phase will begin in spring 2026.
