INSPIRA is a pioneer project originated in the University of Deusto at Basque Country in Spain. The aim of the project is to promote the technological vocation among girls. In November 2017, CIONET Spain’s group “Women and Technology” received training from Inspira in Madrid to start implementing this project in Spain's capital.

After completing a specific two-day training given by the Deusto University, CIONET Spain’s Women and Technology Group lead by Idoia Maguregui, President of CIONET Spain Advisory Board, has now qualified mentors ready to develop the Inspira Project in Madrid.

The mentors, all professionals in the world of investigation, science and technology, will visit schools to give workshops that will raise awareness and foster orientation towards STEAM careers.

The project is aimed at students between 11 and 13 years old in the 5^th and 6^th grade in Spain. It is proven that at these ages girls still have enough confidence in themselves and are interested in the STEAM areas, something that tends to decline during their mid to late teenage years.

During six sessions in school days, the students will work closely with the mentors on educational games about STEAM professions, stereotypes and they will learn about women in science and technology through history, as well as some current references.

Watercolor "More fantastic women" by Jorge Bayo Lon