Two girls working on a computer during High Tech Girls Day
Registration is open for the April 19 event
As the demand for jobs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to grow, Kirkwood Community College continues introducing these careers to area 8th-12th grade girls. The fifth annual High Tech Girls Day, Friday, April 19, shows these students these promising career fields and what they’ll need to land a career in information technology.
According to the United States Department of Commerce, growth in STEM jobs was three times as fast as growth in non-STEM jobs, over the last 10 years. In 2010, there were 7.6 million STEM workers in the United States, representing about 1 in 18 workers. That number is supposed to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. STEM workers command higher wages, earning 26 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts.
“For years there has been a preconception that information technology careers are just for men,” said Kirkwood Business and Information Technology Coordinator Michelle Kruse. “As these fields grow, we need to make sure that young girls know, not only that these jobs are out there, but that they can be successful in these fields.”
Students will participate in interactive workshops on GPS/GIS systems, local area networking, computer programming and other technology-focused careers for area high school females.
“This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of information technology fields taught here at Kirkwood. We have designed projects and demonstrations so the students can rotate through our labs to get direct experience in these skills,” Kruse said. The High-Tech Girls Day programs will feature sessions on:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Local Area Networking Management (LAN)
- Computer Support and Hardware Repair
- Web Design and Development
- Computer Programming
Participating students will receive a complementary T-shirt and a computer flash drive. Lunch will be served during the one-day program. Registration is open through Friday, April 12. Students can register online at www.kirkwood.edu/techgirls.
More information on the event is available from Michelle Kruse at [email protected] or 319-398-4821.