DigiGirlz Day
Microsoft is proud to offer technology programs that target youth. DigiGirlz Day, a one-day event held at multiple locations worldwide is designed to provide high school girls with a better understanding of what a career in technology is all about. Microsoft Licensing, GP will host its 2011 DigiGirlz Day on August 19.
Microsoft DigiGirlz Cay events give girls the opportunity to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops as well as Microsoft product demonstrations.
My entire career has been in technology and there have been many times when I was the only woman on a technical team or was among very few women in a technical organization,” Cindy Healy, Director of Operations and sponsor of DigiGirlz said. “I expected that to correct itself over time, but it hasn’t As computer technology has improved and made its way into the education system it concerns me that the number of women pursuing technical degrees is decreasing instead of increasing.”
The technology industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. However, as recently as 2008, a year when women earned 57% of all bachelor’s degrees, women only earned 18% of computer and information science bachelor’s degrees – a decrease from 37% in 1985.
“Microsoft wants to sell products that appeal to everyone, which makes it crucial for us to have a completely diverse workforce,” Healy said. “We hope that Microsoft DigiGirlz Day events will encourage young women to pursue technological careers and work past any preconceptions that may be discouraging them. I hope that events like this one will show girls that it’s fun to be a ‘science girl’, a ‘computer girl’, or an ‘engineer girl’.”
Microsoft Licensing, GP will accept girls interested in DigiGirlz Day on a first come, first served basis. Girls between the ages of 12 – 18 are welcome. For more information about DigiGirlz click here. Or send an email to diggirlzreno@live.com.