about us
Tech-Girls was founded in 2012 by Kim Wilkens with a mission to empower girls to imagine and achieve their future dreams in our tech-savvy world. With the support of volunteers and local organizations, Tech-Girls has brought hands-on technology and STEM experiences to girls throughout the region for more than a decade.
In 2014, Charlottesville Women in Tech (CWIT) was formed to provide connections, community, and resources for local women in technology. Tech-Girls has been part of CWIT from the beginning, with a shared goal of supporting girls and women as they begin, grow, and stay connected to technology.
That work continues today through Tech-Girls programs such as Girls’ Geek Days and through We Tech, CWIT’s home for youth and intergenerational programming.
Going forward, you’ll find information about upcoming Tech-Girls events and activities on the CWIT We Tech page and through the CWIT newsletter.
In 2014, Charlottesville Women in Tech (CWIT) was formed to provide connections, community, and resources for local women in technology. Tech-Girls has been part of CWIT from the beginning, with a shared goal of supporting girls and women as they begin, grow, and stay connected to technology.
That work continues today through Tech-Girls programs such as Girls’ Geek Days and through We Tech, CWIT’s home for youth and intergenerational programming.
Going forward, you’ll find information about upcoming Tech-Girls events and activities on the CWIT We Tech page and through the CWIT newsletter.
change the equation
Tech-Girls works with parents, educators and partners to provide training, resources and relationships needed to support and help the girls continue their journey and stay in the STEM pipeline. We follow principles first outlined by Dr. Joanne Cohoon, UVa Professor of Science & Technology, for engaging girls in computing:
Spark interest
Girls don't just want to learn new tech skills in a fun and collaborative setting, they want to make a difference in the real world with their newly acquired skills.
"By age 13 girls determine a positive or negative attitude towards subjects like computer science." - Kim Wilkens, Tech-Girls founder
Build confidence
Role models and mentors have been identified as a major component to building confidence and keeping girls engaged in pursuing their interests in STEM.
"My girls loved yesterday's meet-up - I am thankful that someone like you exists in this community to teach and empower my girls!"- Stella, mom to 3rd and 5th grade Tech-Girls
Nurture inclusive community
Feeling a sense of belonging in a discipline is one of the primary components that impacts student interest.
“Sometimes girls are pushed out because they don’t feel like they belong, but sometimes they’re pulled into other areas, at a university setting for example, because they feel more belonging there, they feel more connected.” - Christopher Hulleman, Professor at the UVA School of Education and Human Development
Develop a tech identity
Girls need opportunities to develop their tech identity by creating technology and sharing with the community.
“Women aren’t well-represented in this field, so having a girls group is promoting girls to try new things.” - Zyahna, 7th grade Tech-Girl
“A lot of men are mostly into technology, and a lot of women are into fashion and shopping, so it helps to show that women can do the tech stuff too.” - Weedor, 7th grade Tech-Girl
Spark interest
Girls don't just want to learn new tech skills in a fun and collaborative setting, they want to make a difference in the real world with their newly acquired skills.
"By age 13 girls determine a positive or negative attitude towards subjects like computer science." - Kim Wilkens, Tech-Girls founder
Build confidence
Role models and mentors have been identified as a major component to building confidence and keeping girls engaged in pursuing their interests in STEM.
"My girls loved yesterday's meet-up - I am thankful that someone like you exists in this community to teach and empower my girls!"- Stella, mom to 3rd and 5th grade Tech-Girls
Nurture inclusive community
Feeling a sense of belonging in a discipline is one of the primary components that impacts student interest.
“Sometimes girls are pushed out because they don’t feel like they belong, but sometimes they’re pulled into other areas, at a university setting for example, because they feel more belonging there, they feel more connected.” - Christopher Hulleman, Professor at the UVA School of Education and Human Development
Develop a tech identity
Girls need opportunities to develop their tech identity by creating technology and sharing with the community.
“Women aren’t well-represented in this field, so having a girls group is promoting girls to try new things.” - Zyahna, 7th grade Tech-Girl
“A lot of men are mostly into technology, and a lot of women are into fashion and shopping, so it helps to show that women can do the tech stuff too.” - Weedor, 7th grade Tech-Girl
