NCWIT Inspiring Girls to Pursue Careers in Information

NCWIT: Inspiring Girls to Pursue Careers in Information Technology February 9, 2011

Agenda ü “Unpack” STEM: The Importance of Computer Science Education ü The State of Computer Science Education ü Intervention Efforts & Resources ü Q&A

NCWIT and National Girls Collaborative Project • NGCP founding member of NCWIT • Sharing expertise and resources • Multiple collaborations

NCWIT is the National Center for Women & Information Technology Our coalition includes more than 100 universities, corporations, and non-profits.

What Is Computer Science (CS)? • The creation and adaptation of new technology • A source of 21 st-century skills: design, critical thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving • The foundation for most innovation today, from biotech to economics to national security

Critical for Advancing Nearly All Other STEM Disciplines Civil Engineering Atmospheric Sciences Zoology Earth Sciences Pharmacology Toxicology Biology Mechanical Engineering Botany Chemistry Physics Physiology Textile Sciences Geology Petroleum Engineering Chemical Engineering Mathematics Bioengineering COMPUTER SCIENCE Cellular Biology Nuclear Engineering Industrial Engineering Computer Engineering Biochemistry Meteorology Bioinformatics Genetics Astronomy Molecular Biology Immunology Materials Science Ecology Astrophysics Environmental Engineering Anatomical Sciences Statistics Electrical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Population Biology

Why is gender diversity important in computing? • Enhances Innovation • Expands the Qualified Employee Pool • Improves the Bottom Line • Promotes Equality

Good News: Girls have necessary capabilities Bad News: They major in fields other than computing

Good News: Jobs in this most innovative sector are growing Bad News: Fewer graduates seeking computing careers, women’s participation dropping faster than men’s

Good News: A study on U. S. technology patenting reveals that patents created by mixed-gender teams are the most highly cited (an indicator of their innovation and usefulness) Bad News: Women were involved in only 9 percent of U. S. tech patents

Addressing the Problem • Leverage the NCWIT full pipeline infrastructure of corps, K -12, academia • Provide free, high quality, research based resources • Raise awareness of the importance of computing education for all kids

Information Statistics Paint the Picture üBy the Numbers: Statistics About Women & IT üScorecard

Practices Introduce Computing üStorytelling üUnplugged üTeaching Programming and Language Concepts Using LEGOs üScalable Game Design üSnap, Create, and Share with Scratch üMobile Technology Classroom üEngaging Introductory Computing Curriculum Recruit Retain üGirls Exploring Science, Engineering, and Technology Event üTargeted Recruiting üInclusive Practices: Pair Programming üInclusive Practices: Peer-Led Team Learning

Practices Promising Practices in Informal Education üEvaluating Promising Practices in Informal Information Technology (IT) Education for Girls (GSUSA)

Outreach �Programs-in-a-Box Engaging Ways to Introduce Computing üOutreach-in-a-Box: Discovering IT. üComputer Science-in-a-Box: Unplug Your Curriculum. üRoadshow-in-a-Box: Capitalizing on Models for Outreach Download for free at www. ncwit. org

Outreach Talking Points üWhy Should Young Women Consider a Career in IT? (English and Spanish) üComparing US K 12 Students' Math and Science Performance Internationally üMoving Beyond Computer Literacy: Why Schools Should Teach CS üOffer Computing Workshops and Camps)

Intervention: Programs • Award for Aspirations in Computing • Find & recognize girls active in computing • Low-hanging fruit – keep them in the pipeline • 850 ‘winners’ thus far • 5360 girls registered in last round • Anticipate 10, 000+ girls by 2012 • Provide support system & peer connections www. aspirationsaward. org

Aspirations in Computing www. ncwit. org/award Applications Open Fall 2011

Intervention: Programs CS Education Week • Raise awareness of the critical role of computer science in an information economy • Expose K-12 students to computer science • Highlight the challenges facing CS education • Engage supporters in the effort www. aspirationsaward. org

Questions?