|
Purdue University recently announced a summer program it’s planning for high school teachers, guidance counselors and students that's aimed at encouraging more girls to consider computer-related careers.
It’s a shrewd move which hopefully will have some impact. Many educators believe these types of outreach programs have to be done when girls (and boys) are in elementary school and middle school while they’re still impressionable. It’s also smart to include high school teachers and guidance counselors in these efforts since they can have a strong influence on students' career choices. The program is funded by a National Science Foundation grant.
Incenting women to pursue careers in IT continues to be an uphill battle. According to the National Center for Women & Information Technology, just 24% of IT-related occupations in the U.S. were held by women in 2008. Meanwhile, the number of young women who are enrolling as computer science majors in U.S. colleges and universities continues to dwindle.
To help combat the problem and make IT more engaging for girls, organizations such as Women in Technology International (WITI) are testing out new types of programs. For instance, a group called Technology Goddesses, founded in 2002 by IT leader Cora Carmody, provides year-long education and mentoring in areas such as computer graphics, multimedia and video production for Girl Scouts in Grades 7 through 12. The program fosters camaraderie and teamwork among the girls which helps them to feel connected.
Fresh approaches like these and other types of summer camps, library programs and partnerships with IT leadership associations such as the Society for Information Management have to be tested out to help encourage more girls to consider careers in IT. Not all programs are going to stick. But it’s gratifying to see organizations like Purdue University trying out new tactics to help address a long-term concern.
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. |
