We Grow – Retention & Empowerment Program for Women in STEM

In Panama, despite strong interest from young women in STEM careers, retention remains a critical challenge. Each year, approximately 9,000 women enroll at the Technological University of Panama—the institution with the largest STEM offering in the country - yet only around 185 women graduate annually. This gap highlights the urgent need for sustained academic and professional support.

Program Overview

In response, the Women in Tech Panama Chapter designed and launched We Grow, a long-term support and retention program aimed at reducing female dropout rates in technology and engineering careers. The program has been running for over two years, focusing on accompanying young women throughout their entire academic journey, from early university years to career readiness.

Women in Tech Pillars Impacted

We Grow contributes directly to the following Women in Tech pillars:

• Education & STEM Skills

• Digital Inclusion

• Leadership & Power Skills Development

Reach & Program Components

Each year, more than 200 young women participate in We Grow, receiving a combination of technical training and power skills development, including:

• Emotional intelligence

• Personal branding

• Communication and presentation skills

• Professional readiness and career navigation

These competencies are critical for helping participants navigate university life, build confidence, and successfully access internships and early-career opportunities.

Experiential Learning & National Impact

As part of the program's experiential learning approach, We Grow participants actively engage in national innovation initiatives, including the Copa Airlines Hackathon organized by Copa Airlines. Participants have competed in both mixed-gender and all-female teams.

Notably, in 2024, the first all-women team in the hackathon was formed by Women in Tech Panama participants, marking a significant milestone for female representation in national technology and innovation spaces.

Long-Term Impact

Through continuous mentoring, skills development, and exposure to real-world challenges, We Grow is fostering:

• Increased academic perseverance

• Stronger professional identity

• Greater long-term motivation to pursue and sustain STEM careers

The program's goal is to significantly increase the number of women graduating in STEM fields in Panama over the next two years, strengthening the national technology ecosystem with diverse, skilled, and inclusive talent.