From November 24th to 30th, 2024, AIMS Ghana hosted the third cohort of the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Program (GMSP) for a transformative residential experience. This weeklong event brought together over 35 talented high school girls from 14 regions of Ghana to strengthen their mathematical skills through immersive minicourses, mentorship, and hands-on activities.

The Girls in Mathematical Sciences Program (GMSP), one of the major flagship outreach programs of the Centre, is a fully-funded, 9-month mentoring initiative for talented female high school students. Designed to nurture future STEM leaders, GMSP offers hybrid online and onsite training with support from the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GetFund), fostering cutting-edge research and innovation. Since inception in 2020, the program has trained and mentored over 70 high school girls who have gone on to pursue courses in STEM at the tertiary level.

This year’s residential session was purposely organized to strengthen their mathematical foundations through engaging mini-courses alongside mentorship and educational outdoor activities. The week-long program was packed with engaging activities led by renowned experts, including Dr. Rhydal Eghan on Quantitative Finance, Dr. Prince Osei on Quantum Computing, and Prof. Ian VanderBurgh, from University of Waterloo on Mathematical Problem Solving. Each day was interspersed with puzzle challenges by Dr. Angela Tabiri, computer programming classes with Chantelle Amoako Atta, and insightful fireside chats featuring GMSP alumni and AIMS faculty. Participants also enjoyed a memorable trip to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where they explored Ghana’s rich heritage, fostering interactions and broadening their perspectives beyond academics.

The program concluded on Saturday, November 30th, with a vibrant Graduation Ceremony and a Science Communication video exhibition showcasing innovative projects by the GMSP students. Gracing the occasion was the Director of the Science Education Unit, Ghana Education Service – Mrs. Olivia Opare, with AIMS Ghana’s management, staff and researchers supporting. Certificates were presented to all beneficiaries of the 2024 GMSP Cohort for actively participating in the activities over the 9-month period. Additionally, awards were presented to the first 3 winners of the Science Communication video exhibition with Theodetia Djagmah from Holy Child School placing first, Jessica Amanor from Nyakrom Senior High Technical School placing second and Joana O. Bemah from St. Louis Senior High School winning the third position.

Academic Manager for the program, Dr. Angela Tabiri, congratulated the girls for reaching this milestone and reminded them to stay poised and supercharged to make major contributions to various STEM fields in the near future.

As a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence, AIMS Ghana remains poised in transforming Ghana and Africa through capacity-building in STEM. The GMSP continues to empower young women to excel in STEM fields, building a pipeline of brilliant minds, prepared to become future leaders in research, industry, and innovation.