Providing transformative experiences for girls* using sciences, art, and nature: a pathway for diversifying participation in cryosphere science

It is clear that increasing diversity in cryosphere science is necessary, yet the pathways to cultivating diversity are less so. This is due in part to the myriad of barriers that prevent individuals from pursuing education and careers in cryosphere science, including exposure to the field, access to opportunities, and critically, feelings of belonging. Girls* on Ice Canada, a program of the Alpine Club of Canada in partnership with Inspiring Girls* Expeditions, provides one model for increasing participation in cryosphere science through mentorship and meaningful field experiences which help to increase a sense of belonging for participants, staff, and volunteers alike. Inspiring Girls* Expeditions has been offering 12-day experiential field science and exploration programming for high school girls* through international partnerships since 1999. Girls* on Ice Canada was founded in 2018 to offer programming targeted at Canadian youth, after increasing numbers of Canadian applications were submitted to U.S. programs. In 2022, Girls* on Ice Canada expanded to offer three separate expeditions in different locations within Canada's western mountains. These programs are cost-free, with the aim of removing financial and other barriers and allowing participation from girls* of diverse backgrounds. We are working organizationally on increasing diversity amongst the leadership and mentors. One of the new expeditions in 2022, based in the Yukon Territory, brought together participants from Canada's north and south. This expedition included a unique collaboration with Indigenous Outdoor Leadership Program (IOLP) at the Yukon University. Female participants of the IOLP and their instructor joined a portion of the expedition to support instruction and mentorship through the Indigenous Knowledge lens. Partnerships like the one with IOLP will be critical as we move forward and forge meaningful collaborations that support many ways of knowing within our programs. We hope to include similar Indigenous Knowledge in other expeditions in the future, modeled after the Yukon expedition.

While we acknowledge our name is imperfect, Inspiring Girls* Expeditions and Girls* on Ice Canada welcome cis girls, trans girls, and any girl-identified youth, as well as non-binary and gender non-conforming youth.