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

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

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

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 What Is Computer Science (CS)?

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

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

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 Meet Them Where They Are: An Engaging Way to Introduce Computing (Case Study 3) ®: An Engaging Way to Introduce Computing (Case Study 4) for Middle School: An Engaging Way to Introduce Computing (Case Study 6) : An Engaging Way to Introduce Computing (Case Study 5) A Checklist for Evaluating Software Bias Media Computation at Georgia Tech: Attracting Students through an Engaging Introductory Computing Curriculum (Case Study 1) Girls Exploring Science, Engineering, and Technology Event – GESET: Targeted Recruitment of Women and Girls into IT (Case Study 1) Change the Gender Composition of High School Computing Courses: Targeted Recruitment of Women and Girls into IT (Case Study 2) Pair Programming: Retaining Women through Collaborative Learning (Case Study 1) Peer-Led Team Learning: Retaining Women through Collaborative Learning (Case Study 2) Better Approaches to Well-Intentioned, but Harmful Messages: Overcoming Stereotype Threat to Improve Retention (Case Study 1) Promising Practices in Informal Education Evaluating Promising Practices in Informal Information Technology (IT) Education for Girls (GSUSA)

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 Outreach Download for free at

Outreach Talking Points 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

Aspirations in Computing Applications Open Fall 2011

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 Intervention: Programs

Questions?