Did you know...
The percentage of female AP test takers indicating computer science as an intended major has steadily declined from 37% in 1991 to 16% today.
A select sample of multiple county-level school system data reveals that girls in high schools make up only 5 – 7% of the students in the most challenging IT courses such as network design.
In 2006, only 10.5% of Computer Science AB Advanced Placement test takers were girls.
On Saturday, May 3, 2008, UMBC's Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) will hold its sixth annual Computer Mania Day. This event, designed to encourage girls' interest in information technology (IT), will provide a half day of technology-related activities geared for girls in grades 6 – 8 and their parents and teachers. While boys are welcome, the focus is on girls because of their continuing under-participation in technology and engineering classes and careers. This program, which will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is designed to provide a broad-based introduction to technology-related careers. Up to 800 students will participate in hands-on, engaging technology sessions and will learn about the application of technology to the world of work.
An adult program will complement the day by providing a variety of breakout sessions that will allow parents, teachers, and community members to learn more on special topics such as cyber safety, hot technologies, and the challenges and opportunities for girls in technology. Adults will receive advice from business professionals and education practitioners that will better prepare them as their children prepare for college and being thinking about their future careers.
REGISTER NOW online at www.computer-mania.info.
For more information, contact cwit@umbc.edu or call Bria McElroy at 410-455-8642.
We continue to thank all of our sponsors who help make Computer Mania Day possible.
Here are some glimpses of Computer Mania Day 2007:
 | 800 students gather in small groups and rotate between interactive technology-focused sessions |
 | Jennifer Webb, our digitally animated guest speaker |
 | Students play with interesting objects while learning the concepts behind them |
 | Student gets hands-on experience with exciting new technology |
 | Computer Mania Day volunteers |
 Visiting the exhibits
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Plenty of door prizes and free giveaways are available for all participants |
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CWIT Award Presentation (L to R): Carol Sholes (VP, Information Technology, The Baltimore Sun), Darlene Owens (Global Diversity, Dell, Inc.), and Claudia Morrell (Executive Director, CWIT) |
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