Girls Get IT scours the state, recruiting talented young girls who show an aptitude for math and science and encouraging them to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in school, college, and as a career.
We kindle and sharpen our recruits' interest and aptitude in STEM through learning and mentoring.
Our girls participate in "girlified" activities using high tech equipment, and lesson plans that build off of their existing non-academic interests. A typical GGIT recruit might participate in a "Surfing Science Camp"; star gaze through a hot-pink telescope; or develop a line of make-up, complete with a business plan.
Our facilitators, all of whom are math and science teachers, then guide and mentor our girls to help them avoid that pitfalls that often cause girls to give up on high tech careers. The results have been remarkable:
- 89% of GGIT girls reported that their parents and friends support their interest in science more than they did before.
- After one week, 1.3 reported an increase in their belief that they could "make it into a good college"
- After two weeks, 50% show an increase in their attitudes towards getting a job in science or technology.
Had our recruits not had access to Girls Get IT, statistics say that:
- 80% would not go on to a career in science or math
- Only 10% would major in a technology field
Nearly 75% of future jobs in the United States will require the use of technology. Fewer than 33% of students in computer courses are female, and women comprise only 20% of IT professionals and 13% of engineers. We all pay the price when half our population can't compete on a global scale, and so encouraging our girls to enter in these important fields is crucial.
The Florida Distance Learning Consortium and Cisco Systems, Inc. forged a partnership with Florida’s community college and university system to develop a network of statewide and community partners including policy makers, industry, middle and high school teachers and their students.
Want to help?
Kids need to be exposed to a fun science and math environment at a young age or they will lack the desire to continue in a science or math related field. As a sponsor you will have the comfort of knowing that GGIT is doing all we can to provide awareness and benefits to every teacher and students who comes across our program. Click here to view our different sponsorship levels.