DigiGirlz. No, they are not the latest characters in a new sci-fi cartoon series, (although it may sound like it at first). Microsoft’s DigiGirlz programs give high school girls the opportunity to learn about careers in technology, participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops, and shadow or mentor with Microsoft employees. What they have done and continue to do throughout the summer is put on High-Tech Camps — for girls to participate in technology tours and demonstrations, network, listen to high-tech executive speakers, and learn via hands-on workshops throughout the camp. These 2-3 day camps are chock-full of real-life experiences that girls aged 13 through grade 10 can take with them as they explore the field of technology. Its main goal is to dispel the stereotypes of the high-tech industry & careers (as being daunting, or unattainable, etc.).
The program, founded in 2000, came out of Microsoft employees’ desire to reach out in their diversity efforts. One of their main targets for diversity, aside from any ethnicity, is girls. It is one of their programs in their initiative to gain and retain top female talent. Now that is something Girls in Tech can get behind, completely!
To read more about it, see Microsoft’s website for the program:
DigiGirlz:
http://www.microsoft.com/about/diversity/programs/digigirlz/default.aspx
DigiGirlz High-Tech Camp:
http://www.microsoft.com/about/diversity/programs/digigirlz/hightechcamp.aspx
August 19th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Really glad you did a post highlighting DigiGirlz. It’s such a great program and it would be great for GIT to partner with them in any way. DigiGirlz also has various one to two day events worldwide. There is one coming up next week in LA and GIT LA will be participating. Not to mention, I’ll be speaking at it and doing a job shadowing session. I can’t wait!:)
August 19th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Robyn – That’s great! You will have to let us know how it goes..Have a great time & thanks for the comment/s!