The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2012, the U.S. workforce will increase by more than 2 million professional technology-related jobs. At the same time, recent research shows that the percentage of women in the American information technology workforce is down by nearly 20 percent in the last eight years. In response, EDC’s FunWorks project has teamed up with technology giant Cisco Systems, Inc., and the National Center for Women & Information Technology to increase awareness of education and career opportunities for girls and women in math, computing, and technology. The initiative includes a digital library designed to give parents and educators the tools to learn more about careers in hightech fields and the importance of girls’ participation. It also includes a Web site with resources about interesting careers in technology and details about local technology clubs, programs, and summer camps. In addition to EDC, other partners include the Information Technology Association of America, Junior Achievement, and the Stanford University Office of Science Outreach.
Originally published on May 1, 2006