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 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 Curry School of Education
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 Curry School of Education
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
