Role models and field trips are key to encouraging girls in technology, science and engineering. They expand girls’ career options, and help them see how careers in technical fields can be compatible with their life goals and personal values. We encourage you to get involved and reach out to girls who could be the programmers of tomorrow—if only they knew more about the field.
On a field trip, 30 girls from Lincoln Elementary School in Oakland, California had the opportunity to visit Yahoo! These girls are part of Techbridge, an after-school program that encourages girls in technology, science and engineering. Sponsored by Chabot Space & Science Center, Techbridge serves 400 girls in grades 5-12 in schools in Oakland and surrounding communities.
The field trip to Yahoo! had all the elements for a successful field trip: keeping it personal and interactive and providing academic and career guidance. The day started with an official welcome from role models who led the girls in a “Hello Yahoo!” cheer and got the girls moving around with the icebreaker “Put Yourself on the Line” that highlighted fun facts about Yahoo!’s search engine and the services it offers users.
Hands-on stations introduced the girls to the different jobs at Yahoo! At the Algorithm Workout Station, the girls learned about the importance of algorithms in programming and had the chance to write their own workout algorithms for programming their group to do jumping jacks and push-ups. At the Finding Your Fish station, the girls discovered the different types of searches. At the Internet Safety station, the girls learned about the importance of safely navigating the Internet. At each station, the girls had the chance to experience a snapshot of the work of the role models who led the activities.
In small groups during lunch the girls and role models engaged in personal conversations. The girls enjoyed this time and asked questions about work and college. The girls learned important lessons from these exchanges. “The role model helped me with my future by making me feel more confident in my school work. She told me to work hard and never give up.” After lunch the girls were led on a scavenger hunt around the Yahoo! campus. The girls got to see the Networking Center where engineers watch over the Yahoo! servers to make sure users can get to their mail and other services. The girls also enjoyed finding their role model’s cube and visiting the company store.
The day ended with a huge Yahoo! yodel and a special visit from Yahoo!’s CEO, Carol Bartz. Carol shared, “I worked hard in school and studied a lot. I also took a lot of math and science classes. I’m really proud that you like science because smart girls do science and then they grow up to be the boss like me.”
To help plan field trips and role model visits, Techbridge developed a guide and CD toolkit —Get Involved. Make a Difference—that offer strategies and resources for successful outreach. We also offer training for role models and partner with corporations and universities on outreach programs. For more information, visit www.techbridgegirls.org or contact us at Techbridge@ChabotSpace.org.