Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) March 08, 2016
Girls Go Digital (GGD) has expanded from a handful of girls in Southern Utah in 2012 to over 300 girls in 2015. GGD has filled a growing need to make computer science and technology accessible to girls and has been successful enough it plans to expand into Northern Utah this summer.
In 2013 only 18% of computer science degrees were awarded to women, down from 37% in 1985 (aauw.org). There are many obstacles to overcome before narrowing this gender gap for young girls:
- Stereotype threat
- Gender bias in teaching methods
- Lack of positive role models
Exposure to technology and computers at an early age is one of the simplest ways to encourage girls to engage and to explore computer science and technology. (computerscienceonline.org).
In technology camps throughout Utah, the boys tend to far outnumber the girls. Girls Go Digital focuses on Utah's girls, ages 8 - 18. The camp aims to tackle the obstacles girls face head on:
Overcoming negative stereotypes with the presence of positive female role models.
Classes are taught by women who are studying, practicing and/or teaching in the fields of technology and computer science.
Girls have one-on-one interactions with women surrounded by their peers, allowing the girls to feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Rachel Ramsay, Founder of Girls Go Digital, says “I want to create an environment for girls to feel computer science and technology are interesting and accessible. It's also important for them to know their perspective is essential in a growing field.”
About Girls Go Digital:
Girls Go Digital! is designed to empower young girls to create and innovate with computers, programming, technology and design. It hosts events, workshops and camps for girls with packed with hands-on projects which are tailored specifically for girls and their unique abilities. Projects are selected and designed by girls for girls–and presented by women who support the endeavor to engage girls in activities that promote greater involvement in computer science and technology.
More at http://www.GirlsGoDigital.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GirlsGoDigital
