NCWIT: Inspiring Girls to Pursue Careers in
Information Technology
February 9, 2011
Agenda
 “Unpack” STEM: The Importance of
Computer Science Education
 The State of Computer Science Education
 Intervention Efforts & Resources
 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 21st-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
By the Numbers: Statistics
About Women & IT
Scorecard
Practices
Introduce Computing
Storytelling
Unplugged
Teaching Programming and Language Concepts
Using LEGOs
Scalable Game Design
Snap, Create, and Share with Scratch
Mobile Technology Classroom
Engaging Introductory Computing Curriculum
Recruit
Girls Exploring Science, Engineering, and
Technology Event
Targeted Recruiting
Retain
Inclusive Practices: Pair Programming
Inclusive Practices: Peer-Led Team Learning
Practices
Promising Practices in
Informal Education
Evaluating Promising
Practices in Informal Information
Technology (IT) Education for
Girls (GSUSA)
Outreach
Programs-in-a-Box
Engaging Ways to Introduce
Computing
Outreach-in-a-Box: Discovering IT.
Computer Science-in-a-Box: Unplug
Your Curriculum.
Roadshow-in-a-Box: Capitalizing on
Models for Outreach
Download for free at www.ncwit.org
Talking Points
Outreach
Why Should Young Women
Consider a Career in IT?
(English and Spanish)
Comparing US K12
Students' Math and Science
Performance Internationally
Moving Beyond Computer
Literacy: Why Schools
Should Teach CS
Offer 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.csedweek.org
Questions?