IRVINE, Calif., May 7, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- In an effort to promote the involvement of young girls in the technology field, the Association for Women in Technology, Southern California (AWT), will kick off this season by sponsoring Technology Career Day at the University of California, Irvine, and hosting several technology-themed workshops for the Girl Scouts of Orange County. In addition to providing unique educational opportunities for the girls participating in these events, AWT aims to increase awareness of its mission throughout the technology industry in Southern California.
"Now, more than ever, is the time for women and young girls to begin fostering positive relationships that will help them grow in the technology sector," said Cynthia Cotteta, President of AWT. "Today's young girls are very technology savvy as end-users, and we want to show them that education in math and sciences can help them play an important role in developing new technologies for the future."
AWT is dedicated to improving communication, furthering professional development, promoting education and increasing opportunities through networking and programs for women and girls interested in the technology field. In order to accomplish these goals, the association has formed three groups that meet on a monthly basis.
- The AWT Education Initiative is a grass-roots effort to promote technology and careers in technology to girls middle school-aged through college.
- The AWT Mentorship Program is a six-month program designed to help advance women in their careers by giving them a chance to work with a mentor in a structured program designed by professional coaches.
- The Entrepreneurs Program, administered in conjunction with the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (www.fwe.org), is designed to help AWT members that want to start or grow a business.
Technology Career Day
Spearheaded by Michele Noragon, AWT Board Member and VP of Membership, AWT's Education Initiative is sponsoring the Technology Career Day at UCI on May 10, 2003. The free event will allow eighth-grade girls from several middle schools in the area to learn about careers in technology, create a website, meet college women majoring in computer science and find a UCI mentor. Tech Day is also part of an on-going mentorship initiative with Women in Computer Science (WICS), providing young girls with long-lasting ties to technology scholars who can guide them through educational and career choices. Additional sponsors of this event include Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union, UCI's School of Information and Computer Science (ICS) and DeVry University.
"We are delighted that AWT recognizes the need to encourage young girls to explore technology and pursue their education in math, science and computer technology," said Debra J. Richardson, The Ted and Janice Smith Family Foundation Dean, School of Information and Computer Science at UCI. "At this crucial time when eighth-graders are beginning to think about career choices and possible college majors, it is important to provide these girls with the knowledge of opportunities that are available to them in the various fields of technology."
AWT and the Girl Scout Council of Orange County
To continue its momentum, AWT will offer three workshops throughout the summer for Orange County Girl Scouts. The girls will complete various requirements to earn Brownie, Junior, Cadet and Senior recognitions while learning about technology and various careers in technical fields.
- The "Point, Click and Go Try-It Workshop" for Brownie Girl Scouts will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2003 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- The "Computer Fun Badge Workshop" for Junior Girl Scouts will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2003 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- The "Computers in Every Day Life Interest Project Workshop" will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2003 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
"We are excited to welcome AWT to take an active role in our summer training program," said Lesley Finch, Program Specialist at the Girl Scout Council of Orange County. "These hands-on workshops will provide a fun way for the girls to learn about and feel comfortable with a field that generally caters to boys and men."
About the Association for Women in Technology
The Association for Women in Technology, Southern California was formed in June of 2002 as a local non-profit organization dedicated to serving the advancement of women and girls in all fields of technology. As a dynamic forum for networking and learning opportunities, AWT bridges the gap between industry, education and community institutions and continues to strengthen the fabric of our Southern California technology region. The organization holds meetings and events on a regular basis, attracting women in every area of technology, from those just entering the field to senior level management and technology innovators. To learn more about AWT, please visit our website at www.awtsocal.org.