Inspiring Girls in Technology: How to Make Every Outreach a Success

From Anita Borg Institute Wiki

Who are we?

Techbridge

   Offer after-school and summer programs for girls
       Build telephone kits, operating phone they can take home
       Develop girl-friendly curriculum
       Have served over 2500 girls
       Trains over 1500 role models
           Bring in role models so girl can start thinking of technology as a career and not just a hobby

Google: Pre-University Initiatives

   Bringing girls for on-site activities

Intel: Women at Intel Network (WIN)

   WIN holds girls outreach event once/quarter at part of the women diversity intiative activities
   20-30 girls participate in outreach activities
       Even host at intel site
       Age group could vary from 8-16 years old
   Event often targeted toward minorites from disadvantaged backgrounds
       Techbridge
       Sally Ride
       Girls for Change
   We introduce the to what engineer do day-to-day at Intel
       1:1 mentoring activities
       Keynote from Women VP or high management
       Intel museum and lab tours
       Circuit snapshots
   Intel matches employees volunteer hours with $$
   Women volunteers come from diverse backgrounds
   Very rewarding experience to get "Thank you" notes from the girl mentioning how we were able to influence their ideas concerning science/engineering related fields.

Put yourself on the line

   Start with an ice breaker
   Read statements out loud.  An imaginary line with one end as strongly agree and the other as strongly disagree.  You have to talk to your neighbors to figure out where you need to be.
       I am comfortable talking to girls.
       Pickles are delicious.
       I have experience in outreach.
   Important to set the stage for interaction from the start.

What do girls imagine when the think of technology, science, and engineering?

   Boys, nerds, something hard, isolated
   Super smart, super geeky

Role models can have significant lasting impact

   94% of girls say engineering would be good to go into

Recipe for Success

   1 part passion
   1 part personal
   Informal
   Interactive
   Mix ingredients and give time to develop!

1. Start with a personal story

   a. Tell the girls who you are

2. Share your passion

   a. Be excited and the girls will get excited

3. Make it interactive

   a. More important to engage girls in some activity that gives the a snapshot in your work.
   b. Do an activity that relates to your work

4. Dispel stereotypes

   a. Help dispel those geeky stereotypes.  Talk about hobbies, pets, family

5. Provide academic advice

   a. Guidance counselors don't always have enough time
   b. Talk about what happens when you face a barrier or challenge, find a tutor or study group or someone who can help you

Resources: www.techbridge.com

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