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CWIT: The Center For Women & Technology
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Mission/Objectives

The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), established at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in July 1998, is dedicated to providing global leadership in achieving women's full participation in all aspects of information technology (IT). Women's participation in IT will strengthen the workforce, raise the standard of living for many women, and help to assure that information technology addresses women's needs and expands the possibilities for their lives.

The mission has three objectives:

  • to encourage more women and girls to prepare for careers and become leaders in information technology
  • to communicate information related to the richness and breadth of women's lives, concerns, and possibilities using technology
  • to foster research concerning gender and information technology

    The Center is working to accomplish its mission through varied initiatives. Among the projects already under way are the CWIT Scholars Program, the Speakers Series, CWIT's Music Video, Computer Mania Day, and the CWIT web site, which ABCNews.com has called "the best resource on women and technology on the Web." CWIT is also partnering with several UMBC offices on a program for women technology entrepreneurs, Activate. For a more complete list of current initiatives, see the Initiatives section.

    For more information about the Center, see the April 2003 issue of Baltimore Magazine.

    Please also see the CWIT FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)