And now I move from sorrow to action.
Through my colleague, Michael Fergusson, I recently learned about ChicTech, a webdesign competition for girls in computer science. ChicTech pairs a three or four person team of young women with a university mentor to create a website for a non-profit organization. The websites are then judged, the teams are rewarded and hopefully these girls are encouraged to stay in a technical field. Or at least see the potential a career in IT has.
ChicTech is currently for Vancouver-area girls, in Grades 9 or 10. This year's competition is underway. The organizing team is still looking for sponsors and contributions to the final prizes.
Here's a positive step we can all take ... let's encourage these young women to stay in a technical career.
What can you or your organization offer to ChicTech as a prize or contribution? Their fundraising letter is here. Take a quick peak and see what you can offer.
I'm working with the one of the organizers here in Vancouver. If you have something to contribute, email me at kate [at] mynameiskate [dot] ca, and I can put you directly in contact with Cathy.
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