Episode description
In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the importance of increasing female representation in the technology sector with Sue Harnett, founder of Rewriting the Code. They explore the challenges women face in tech education, the significance of community support, and the role of tech companies in fostering diversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for mentorship, the importance of representation, and strategies to encourage young women to pursue careers in technology. This podcast episode emphasizes the need for building networks and community to empower young women in their career paths, ultimately highlighting the positive impact of these initiatives on their confidence and success in the tech industry. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In This Episode …- The critical need for women in tech, and WHY itʻs essential to encourage and foster their interest in STEM and technology early.
- The numbers show that 40-45 percent of introductory computer science and engineering students are women. But only two courses later, half of the women have disappeared. Furthermore, 50 percent of early career STEM women are abandoning the field by age 35.
- The importance of women-in-tech organizations, and the support/funding for these. Recently, Women Who Code and Girls in Tech (somewhat similar nonprofits) announced their closures, sparking major concerns about stalled progress on increasing diversity in the tech industry.
- RTC fosters three vibrant racially-affirming women communities: “Latinas de RTC,” “Tech Natives”, and “Black Wings”, providing support, community and resources for these groups as they navigate their college tech journeys.
- In 2023, Black women represented only 2.2 percent of people in tech, and Latina women only 1.9 percent. Black, Latina, and Indigenous women receiving computing degrees have decreased by 40 percent over the past decade to 4 percent combined.
- With partner Goldman Sachs, RTC created a $1.5M collaborative Women in Tech fund that invests in degree completion for undergrad women in computing, providing rapid-response grants to close the graduation gap for low-income students.
Conversation Takeaways
- Women represent only 18% of computer science graduates.
- Many women drop out of tech courses due to feeling of not belonging.
- Rewriting the Code supports 30,000 women in tech.
- Community and mentorship are crucial for retention.
- Tech companies need to recognize their role in diversity.
- Every company is a tech company now.
- Building trust is essential for underrepresented groups.
- Diverse teams lead to better outcomes.
- Encouragement should start as early as preschool.
- Representation matters in tech education. Career paths should not be limited by gender.
- Fostering curiosity in children is crucial for their development.
- Role models play a significant role in inspiring...