YWCA of Cambridge Announces Pilot Web Design Program for Teenage Girls

The YWCA of Cambridge announces the first program of its kind in the New England region offering a Web Design Summer Day Camp for 11- to 15-year-old girls in underserved communities.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2003

Contact: Michelle Axelson, YWCA of Cambridge
    (617) 491-6050 or maxelson@ywcacam.org

YWCA of Cambridge Announces Pilot Web Design Program for Teenage Girls

CAMBRIDGE -- The YWCA of Cambridge announces the first program of its kind in the New England region offering a Web Design Summer Day Camp for 11- to 15-year-old girls in underserved communities. Cambridge and Greater Boston area girls will be given the opportunity to unleash their creativity through web design while also enjoying the lifetime benefits of a traditional summer camp. Sponsored in part by United Way and Verizon, the camp will allow girls to explore the latest technologies in a nurturing girls-only environment.

Research shows that girls often rate themselves significantly lower than boys in science, computer and math skills. It seems that women and girls are shying away from the very careers that would give them their best shot at gaining influence and making a difference in the 21st century," states Emma Smith, founder of the Wired Woman Society and author of Technology with Curves.

One of the most commonly cited reasons for not pursuing careers in technology is its image. Young women or girls in particular often think that technology careers are 'geeky, anti-social or even boring.

But the truth is somewhat different-some of the most influential people are web developers, engineers, video game programmers, 3D effects creators and industrial designers, all of whom are using technology to revolutionize the tools and content that shape our world. The technology they create are shaping our homes, our workplaces, the media and even our worldview."

This program will give girls the skills, resources and confidence to stay competitive and excel so that they can lead successful lives in the future by becoming tomorrows technology leaders.

Empowering Girls Web Design Summer Day Camp will run in two 3-week sessions: July 7-25 and July 28-August 15, 2003. Tuition is $300 per three week session, but financial assistance is available to qualified applicants.