| Girls Get IT! Newsletter |
Volume II Issue VIV
April 2008 |
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| Explore ~ Educate ~ Empower |
Funding for STEM Partnerships is COMING SOON!
We
are pleased to announce that Mini Grants will soon be awarded to the
selected applicants from the 25 organizations who recently applied. The
number of collaborations between community based organizations was
quite impressive, and the quality of the proposals has been so
outstanding that it has been very difficult to turn anyone away.
The
review team is completing their evaluations this week, and by May funds
will be distributed to the winning community organizations. Several
members of the review team made comments about the need for additional
dollars to fund more of these exceptional ideas and programs. To
address the need for funding, Girls Get IT! and our partners have
decided to look to other foundations for additional money.
Of
the selected applicants, many of these groups will be using the funding
to create exciting STEM summer programs. To find out more about these
programs, and their proximity to you, please visit the Girls Get IT!
website.
We
are also proud to announce that Florida not only received the highest
number of mini grant submissions in the nation, but we have also
surpassed all other states in the National Girls Collaborative network,
having the largest STEM Program Directory in the country! Visit
the directory at the link below to find a girl serving organization in
your area.
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We would love to keep the directory growing, and see many more
community collaborations in the future, so please sign up your
organization today! To do so, Click Here!
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Cisco Academy Success Story - Sarah Howe
 Sara Howe is "living a dream." After
taking the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course she received
a full scholarship to complete her bachelor's degree in
telecommunications at State University of New York (SUNY) Institute of
Technology. She is now pursuing her
master's degree at SUNY while working in Manhattan as an IT design
engineer at a technical consulting firm.
In
2002, while attending high school, she began taking the Cisco
Networking Academy through a vocational technology program at BOCES
where her mother worked. Sara was one of only a few girls to take the course. The friendships with her classmates continue to be strong today. "We were all there for the same reason: we
wanted to learn the latest technology." Sara says dedicating
two-and-a-half hours each day to a single course helped her absorb the
Cisco material and laid a foundation of knowledge that she has
benefited from ever since.
In
high school, Sara participated in the Vocational Industries Club of
America (VICA) regional and state competitions and won a Gold Medal in
the internetworking contest. In addition,
she took on an internship at the BOCES administrative center where she
had the opportunity to shadow the IT Director in the data center. Sara graduated high school in 2003 and that same year accepted a full scholarship to study fiber optics at SUNY. By 2007, she had completed her bachelor's degree in telecommunications.
In 2007, after working as a summer intern at AKF Technologies, Sara was hired by the company full time as a design engineer. "I
mostly design IT/security/audiovisual systems for our clients as well
as put together the specifications to go with the drawings and
proposals. This requires coordination with all disciplines within our
office and compliance with our clients' wishes. In addition, I'm
involved in the interviewing process for staffing our other 5 offices." Sara says every day she applies what she learned in the Cisco Networking Academy to her current role. "In my line of work, I often have to design to Cisco standards, making my knowledge from the academy valuable to my employer."
Sara plans to receive her master's degree in telecommunications and someday own her own technology consulting firm. For more information on Erie 1 BOCES, Click Here! |
Technology Counts 2008
The
results of Technology Counts 2008 are in; and the findings of Education
Week's annual report on educational technology show that though states
have increased their
expectations for education in the STEM fields, their efforts have yet
to yield top-notch performance in those subject areas.
Florida's
scores, however, rank above the national average. The Sunshine State
received grades of B-, A-, and B in the categories of access to
technology, use of technology, and capacity to use technology,
respectively. The national averages for those categories were C, B-,
and C. Florida was awarded 85.4 total points, making its overall grade
a B, and ranking it among the top 15 in the nation. The average state
only received 76.9 points, or a grade of C+. Having said this, we still
need more young women taking computer science and other technology
classes in high school and college. With the technology job
market expanding rapidly here in Florida, the need for highly
trained workers continues to increase.
The
scores for the individual states were obtained through an annual policy
survey conducted by the Editorial Projects in Education Research
Center. Respondents to the survey provided information on policy
indicators related to educational technology and competencies of
students and educators. Every state's response was carefully verified
using additional evidence provided by the state, such as documentation
describing a state statute or administrative rule.
Florida's
continued improvement in education was displayed in the Quality Counts
2008 as well. The state surpassed the national average of a C (75.2)
with a C+ (79.2), ranking 14th in the nation. Out of 48 states, Florida ranked in the top 10 for recent improvements in 4th and 8th
grade reading and math achievement. Florida also ranked above the
national average, with an A- on the policy indicators assessment, which
measures academic standards and testing techniques. In addition, the
state ranked 12th in early childhood education and postsecondary education transitions.
For more information on Technology Counts 2008, Click Here!
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To visit GGIT! please click here |
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When
it comes to choosing a career, many girls don't even remotely consider
becoming an engineer. They don't know what it takes to become an
engineer, what they can actually do as an engineer, and the endless
opportunities that are available for engineers. Engineer Your Life is a
national initiative that inspires college-bound high school girls to
integrate engineering into their future studies and careers. The goal
of this initiative is to show girls that engineering opens up a whole
world of possibilities, allowing girls to fulfill their dreams and make
an impact on the world.
One
thing girls need to know: engineering isn't all about bridge building!
Engineer Your Life is dedicating to informing girls that there are many
different routes an engineer can take. As an aerospace engineer, a girl
can develop rockets that collect comet samples. An environmental
engineer can create new ways to restore wetlands. An electronic
engineer may be responsible for creating special effects in a movie.
The possibilities are endless! If a girl can dream it, as an engineer
she can do it.
Engineer
Your Life wants to make sure that girls know what steps they need to
take to become a successful engineer. Along with keeping up with math
and science classes and performing well on college entrance exams,
there are plenty of ways to prepare for a life in engineering. Getting
involved in after-school and summer programs that focus on engineering
is a great way to learn more about the field. Girls can also apply for
jobs and internships to gain valuable experience in the field.
The
Engineer Your Life website features a wealth of information and
resources for high school girls and the adults in their lives who want
to learn more about what life and work are like for engineers. To check
it out, Click Here!
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Technology Touches Base with Teenage Girls
With
social networks like Facebook and Myspace flourishing, content creation
on the internet continues to grow, notably from more teenagers than
ever before. In a recent report put out by the Pew Internet &
American Life Project, researchers found that 64% of teens, ages 12 to
17, engage regularly in at least one type of content creation. With
girls dominating most areas!
"Content," as defined in the study, is anything from photos and artwork, to web pages and blogs, and even videos. But
content creation is not just about personal creative output; it thrives
on conversations fueled by that content. Though female domination is
clear in the majority of telecommunications, girls use the internet
more for education and communication than anything else, which might
explain why more girls partake in content creation than boys.
The
Pew Internet report also discusses a new group of teens they label as
"multi-channel" teens. These teenagers are viewed as
super-communicators, using more than one technological option for
dealing with family and friends, including: landline phones, cell
phones, text messaging, social network sites, instant messaging, and
email. A surprising 28% of teens are represented in this group, which
is composed mostly of older girls.
Regardless
of the numbers, many girls do not see technology as a part of their
career future, only a communication and education tool. The computer
culture continues to be viewed by girls as male dominated and boring,
which does little to interest women in joining the field. Findings from
a 2000 report of the American Association of University Women on girls
in technology found that girls were not "techno-phobic," rather; they
did not like the computer culture.
Maybe
the web is just the place to engage teenage girls in the field of
technology. An overwhelming number of them are already logged on and
listening.
"That's why we do
what we do here at Girls Get IT!. We ensure that young women
today can use technology in a way that expands their knowledge and
understanding and, hopefully, if we do our job correctly, ignites their
curiosity even more - we want women that aren't only consumers of
technology but innovators" said Leah Cook, Project Director of GGIT!.
To view the complete report done by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, "Teens and Social Media," Click Here!
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Florida Girls Collaborative STEM Mini-Grants and Program Directory
Do you have a collaborative idea within  STEM
education and need some additional funds to assist you? If so,
join our team and receive up to $1,000 for your support. All
you have to do is sign up to become part of our statewide Program
Directory, and collaborate with another organization that is also
in the Program Directory. It's that easy! To sign up, follow the
short instructions below and be on your way to making connections you
never thought you would!
For a more in depth overview of our mini-grants, Click Here!
SIGN UP FOR THE FLORIDA STEM PROGRAM DIRECTORY NOW!
The
online Florida STEM Program Directory lists organizations and programs
that focus on motivating girls to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The purpose of the directory is to help organizations and individuals
network, share resources and collaborate on STEM-related projects for
girls.
Organizations
that serve young women and are interested in bringing more STEM
resources to them are also encouraged to sign up!
The
Directory contains program descriptions, resources available within
each organization, program and/or organization needs, and contact
information. What better way to promote your program, resources and find other organizations in your area to collaborate with?
Having Your Program Listed in the Directory Has Several Advantages:
- Anyone with Internet access can find out about your program.
- You can view other programs in your area and across the state.
- Your organization can do a search and compare needs and resources in your area and across the state.
- Your organization is eligible for a mini-grant for innovative projects.
Don't wait - Sign up today!
Here's How:
Use the following instructions to create a new user account and then enter a program's information into the NGCP program directory.
- Click Here!!
- Click "Register New User" which is located on the far left.
- Fill out the form and click "Submit"
- On the next page, click "New Program"
- Fill out the form and click "Submit"
That's It! Your program will be listed and can be searched by anyone with access to the Internet. It's that easy!
Once a new program's information has been submitted and approved, it will appear in the public Directory for anyone to search.
What better way to highlight the great work in STEM that you are doing in your community!
Note: In order to be eligible for mini grant funding, your program MUST be listed in the Program Directory. Once listed, you are encouraged to submit a proposal for consideration of funding. | |
Cool Career: Agrono-What?!
Agronomist.
Sounds like a Harry Potter character, but the truth is, it is a
scientist that studies the production and utilization of plants.
Agronomy is a career that focuses on turning plants into our three F's:
food, fuel and fiber. These scientists also have a huge impact on
finding biofuels to prevent global warming.
Agronomists study characteristics that will allow plants to be more productive and resistant to disease. The
newest work aid to agronomists is nanotechnology-a molecular
manufacturer that provides faster and more effective ways of testing
food products for contamination. New technology keeps the industry more
efficient and your grocery stores full of veggies!
Biotechnologists
and chemists work with Agronomists to increase the production of
biofuels. Biofuels are a renewable fuel that is derived from biological
matter, for example: turning crops into energy sources. Using energy
sources other than fossil fuel is important because of the limited
amount of these fuels available. In addition, when fossil fuel is
burned it contributes to global warming, acid rain, and smog-all
negative effects to our environment.
Agronomists
and soil scientists' jobs are growing every year. They can work in a
variety of fields such as governments programs, including U.S.
Department of Agriculture, educational services, commercial research,
and food production. There are also a number of educational options
available to agronomists and crop scientist at the University level,
including Graduate and Doctoral programs, which are highly encouraged
for promotion in the industry. Surprisingly, an agricultural scientist
can earn up to $100,000 a year.
Agronomy
provides variety to the everyday scientist. With a combination of
sciences such as chemistry, biology, ecology, earth science, and
genetics, it is guaranteed to provide a fulfilling and ever changing
work environment. For more information on Agronomists, how they prevent
global warming and more opportunities in this industry, Click Here!
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Survive the Summer & Promote STEM Activities for Kids
The
need for quality instruction in the science, technology, engineering
and math (STEM) disciplines in out of school settings is well known
however, many instructors are intimidated to integrate thes subjects in
their programs. To fill the need for
quality instruction, the Children's Forum has designed a series of
mini-conferences titled "Survive the Summer" that offer after-school
and out of school time professionals a wide range of training options.
This partnership
helps state education agencies and local practitioners develop
high-quality, balanced programs that provide a safe and fun environment
for academic enrichment as well as youth development activities. Girls
Get IT! Project Director, Leah Cook, will be presenting at both North
and South Florida conferences, located in Tallahassee (May 3rd) and Miami (May 10th) respectively. For more information on one of the largest after school conferences in the nation, Click Here!
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| Me, Myself and I
The competition for career advancements can be a brutal game, especially for women in the IT world. Me, Myself and I written by Esther Schindler in CIO Magazine
gives women four tips which encourage them to take chare of their
career. Although it does require reaching out of your comfort zone, it
will guarantee to build your character and reputation in your work
place!
The key to being recognized by your coworkers and executives is to volunteer for visible assignments. Women
need to build their own career momentum by taking on projects that will
enhance not only their career but their customer relationships. By
volunteering to help customers you are establishing trust which is a
key factor in your reputation. Elizabeth Austin, vice president of IT
Operations and Infrastructure at Family Dollar, states that her
openness to new challenges offered her a variety of roles with each of
her employers.
"To be noticed, you have to walk outside the data center". Traditionally, IT staff is known to work behind the scenes; however this article encourages you to reach outside IT.
By building relationships with those outside of IT department will
broaden your view of company goals, strategy and culture. It will show
others your versatility and willingness to do what it takes to get a
job done. You should also be sure to build relationships in multiple
departments and on all levels to further your career.
Forget your childhood ways and once in a while put an "I" in "team".
This is not being selfish but realizing you will not move ahead unless
others notice your accomplishments. As a woman you may feel rude to
"toot one's own horn" but it is important to have your team recognizing
what you have done. You should never
forget those who contributed to the project either - you gain
additional visibility by giving it to them. But be sure to stay classy
and not overly promote yourself!!
Be assertive, but not pushy
in all business transactions. This can be everything from promoting
yourself, wanting new responsibilities, or recognition from management.
Magalene Powell-Meeks, Deputy CIO at Jet Propulsion recognizes it is a
fine line of bring assertive and pushy but to remember these few
things. Don't complain about your team, it will show you are
unprofessional and unable to handle situations. Stray away from bad
mouthing management, and most of all recognize the culture of your
corporation, and "let that guide how you express yourself."
Women
need to make their mark in the corporation they work for. "If you are
good at what you do, and conduct yourself in a professional manner, you
can compete for the next level". The possibilities are endless you just
have to take a trip outside your comfort zone to build trust,
visibility, dedication, and relationships.
For more information on career success, Click Here! And to check out CIO for articles and advice on business technology leadership, Click Here!
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What is Girls Get IT?
 Florida
Girls Get IT is a partnership between Florida Distance Learning
Consortium, Cisco Systems, Inc., Florida's Community College and
University system to create gender equity in the areas of Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) & Information
Technology (IT).
Why Does Florida Need This Initiative?
To
remain competitive, Florida must offer a highly trained workforce.
Nearly 75% of future jobs in the United States will require the use of
technology, yet fewer than 33% of students in computer courses are
female and women comprise only 20% of IT professionals and 13% of
engineers.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Contact: Leah Cook, Project Director
Phone: 850.922.3359
Fax: 850.922.3109
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Useful Links for Teachers, Students, & Parents
Teachers:
PBS: NOW- Global Warming
Great
lesson plan for teaching your students about global warming! The Lesson
is broken down into five parts, referring back to the NOW broadcast on
PBS and handouts provided online. To see if this lesson sounds like
something you would like to teach, Click Here!
Math is Fun: Teacher's Lounge
Keep
your students entertained while they learn! This site offers puzzles,
quizzes, interactive learning tools and much more to keep your students
interested in the subject matter. Check it out, Click Here!
Students:
Climate Change
Kids
can start going green by learning about the climate, weather, and how
it affects us. This site offers kids valuable information as well as
interactive games, history, and what we can do to make a difference. Check it out, Click Here!
Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab
Educational
science experiments for kids of all ages. The website has science
riddles, home projects, secret lab notes, a pot of gold contest and
much more! Check it out, Click Here!
Parents:
MommyCast
Awarded
2007 Best Parenting Site, MommyCast features a weekly internet radio
show for mothers, by mothers. Get advice and discover the fullness of
motherhood and life. Click Here!
FamilyFun
Everything
a parent needs to make the day more fun, all in one site. FamilyFun
offers a variety of activities families can do together, as well as
recipe and party ideas, travel information, and access to FamilyFun
Magazine. Check it out, Click Here!
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