Cooperative Living September 2023 - 22

MEMBER FYI
" By opening the conversation
and providing opportunities
to young girls, the future will
be brighter for everyone. "
- Dr. La'Quata Sumter
All Together Now
Inspiring young girls to pursue tech careers
Story courtesy of Brandpoint Content
T
echnology jobs continue to evolve,
off ering career opportunities as
well as job security. Traditionally
these jobs have been fi lled by men, but
industry leaders and educational experts
are calling for change. One strategy that
is gaining momentum is engaging girls
at a younger age.
WOMEN IN TECH:
THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE
Th ere is a sizable gap with women
and minorities in tech careers. While
women make up approximately half of
the U.S. workforce, they are critically
underrepresented in the technology
sector, making up only 28% of the industry.
Th ese numbers are even lower for women
of color seeking opportunities in the
fi eld, with only 3% of computing-related
jobs being fi lled by African American
women, 6% by Asian women and 2%
by Hispanic women.
CLOSING THE GAP
W
While hi
th
ti
education ou
re
closing the gap depe
while they are s
stay informe
tiv Li
hile hiring initiatives and higher
ighe
ndame
ill young, en
education outreach are fundamental efforts
to promote ch
ducation outreach are fundamental efforts
eff
ts
to promote change, some experts believe
closi
elie
while they are still young, ensuring they
stay informed, engaged and inspired.d.
ap ep nds on reachinggirirls
he
" All girls need to see that women
have an important role in the future of
technology. Learning about STEM,
experiencing activities and seeing women
represented in these careers will help fuel
the next generation of female technology
professionals, " says Dr. La'Quata Sumter,
professor at DeVry University's College
of Engineering and Information Sciences.
Sumter knows hands-on experiences
matter for younger students. She is also
the founder and CEO of Focusing on
Me Inc., which sponsors an initiative
that provides teachers and facilitators
with the tools and resources to teach
drone technology to their students.
GROUP EFFORTS CAN
INSPIRE CHANGE
Eff orts like Sumter's are important in
20 * Cooperative Living * September 02
STEM
reaching girls and ensuring today's youth
is prepared for the careers of tomorrow.
More organizations are recognizing
the importance of exposing girls to
science, technology, engineering and
th-commonly called STEM-
and adopting social responsibility
math
o
ke
ga
i
alled
ST
and adopting social responsibility
programs to make a difference.
programs to make a difference.
One initiative gainingworthwhile
attention is HerWorld by DeVry
University. The program introduces
middle school girls to STEMbyEM by
Wo
University. The program introduces
middle school girls to STEMby
building their digital fluency and
U ity. The pro
irl
em er 2023
STEMcoordinator for Girls Inc.
"
rdinator
Sumter agrees. The need to prepare
"
re
or
has never beenmore crucial. By
ve
tio
uni
ri
will be brighter for everyone, " she adds.
ung
er
co-opliving.com
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he
adds
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re
ro
today's youth for the careers oftomorrow
has never beenmore crucial. By
re
rr
opening the conversation and providing
opportunities to young girls, the future
will be brighter for everyone, she adds.
in
ur
technology confi dence, while also
encouraging curiosity in tech careers.
HerWorld engages young women in
underrepresented school districts by
sharing stories about the types of careers
they could have with technology and to
give them hands-on interaction
with diff erent types of technology.
EMPOWERING GIRLS
DURING THE SUMMER
Even while school is out, it's important
to keep girls engaged in STEM. Th e
summer months can be the ideal time
to explore new hobbies and activities
that promote curiosity and competency
in technology.
Families with young girls should
look to their local communities and
organizations that have summer
programs to keep girls engaged in
STEM. One option is Girls Inc.,
which provides year-round aft er-school
programming, weekend activities,
and experiences that expand upon
and support girls' STEM learning.
" Ensuring kids have tech fl uency and
confi dence is more crucial than ever.
Girls are able to identify STEM concepts
in everyday life and are introduced to
women pursuing STEM careers, which
makes it more relatable and their goals
moremore feasible, " says LaKeshaJackson,
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Cooperative Living September 2023

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