What is ‘Summer school for girlsin junior and senior high schools (the Natsugaku)’?

About ‘Summer school for girls in junior and senior
high schools (the Natsugaku)’

夏学2019

More than 100 girls in junior and high schools from all over Japan participate in the Natsugaku every year and share their experience through the 3-day program. After the spread of COVID-19, Natsugaku is held online annually on a similar scale.

Opening ceremony Day-1

On day-2, participants enjoy diverse scientific programs prepared by various institutions/organizations/companies.

Closing ceremony Day-3

About ‘Summer school for girls in junior and senior high schools (the Natsugaku)’

Summer school for girls in junior and senior high schools (the Natsugaku)’ is a carrer education program for girls in junior and senior high schools from all over Japan, providing them with opportunities to experience science and technology and to think about their future with women and peers who are active in the same field.

History of the Natsugaku

The Natsugaku started in 2005 and has developed since then as one of the largest activities in Japan to encourage and support girls in junior and senior high schools to major in science and technology in university. The Natsugaku has been supported by various people, institutions, organizations and companies, including Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), National Women’s Education Center (NWEC) and the Japan Inter-Society Liaison Association Committee for Promoting Equal Participation of Men and Women in Science and Engineering (EPMEWSE).

Data on the Natsugaku

Commencement:

2005

Venue:

National Women’s Education Center (NWEC)
728 Sugaya, Ranzan-machi, Hikigun, Saitama, 355-0292, Japan
(12-minute walk from Musashi Ranzan Stationon Tobu Tojo Line)

Participants:

Approximately 100 girls in junior and senior high schools from all over Japan

Organizer:

An NPO of STEM Career Path Project for Girls
National Women’s Education Center (NWEC)  – Independent administrative institution

Program:

 [Day-1]
    1. Opening ceremony
    2. Lectures for career development
    3. ‘Science battle’ (Scientific quiz)
 [Day-2]
    1. ‘Science adventure’ (Laboratory works)
    2. Poster presentation
    3. ‘Gate Way’ (Counselling on career development  and/or related daily-life)
 [Day-3]
    1. Career planning
    2. Presentation on the career planning
    3. Closing ceremony

Achievements:

The Natsugaku has been conducted every  August since 2005 (14 years). The number of participants has grown to more than 1,300 girls in junior and high schools and more than 300 parents and teachers.

Testimonials from participants

I got a strong impression being advised ‘if society disturbs you, you propose your way to the society’. I was encouraged to pursue my own life by acting against problems about which I feel uncomfortable to in society.

(After a program ‘Lectures for career development’)

I understood that several different departments existed in university for pursuing science (Department of Science, Department of Agriculture, etc.) and many different divisions and laboratories worked on further sub-areas in science. I think that it does not matter if one has a clear career vision for the future because all sub-areas in science are linked to some specific jobs. I realized I could do whatever I wanted to do.

(After a program ‘Science adventure’)

All uncleared matters are gone. It’s up to myself now.

(After a program ‘Gate Way’)

It was good to know the dreams of other participants. I feel for sure that we have friends who can work hard together.

 (After a program ‘Presentation on the career planning’)

Updated information on the Natsugaku is available on the official website of
‘Summer school for girls in junior and senior high schools (the Natsugaku)’

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