MORE WOMEN NEEDED IN IT AS THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN INDUSTRY DECLINES;
Local Business Community and MATC Take Action with March 14 Expo
To Interest More Women in IT Careers
The National Science Foundation (NSF), Madison Area Technical College (MATC) and local information technology (IT) employers are concerned about a significant downward trend among women working in information technology careers. From a high of 41 percent in 1996, the percentage of women working in IT declined to 32.4 percent in 2004, according to the Information Technology Association of America. At MATC, the percent of women preparing for IT careers has dropped to less than 20%.
The “Women In Computer Information Technology EXPO,” with funding from the NSF’s Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance, is being held to interest more women in pursuing IT careers, which offer salaries starting at $35,000 to $40,000 annually, as well as many advancement opportunities.
WHAT:
A free information fair and career exploration event, including a guest speaker, panel discussion and an opportunity to hear from MATC women alumni working in IT, as well as MATC IT instructors. Information also will be shared about the MATC Women in InformationTechnology support group and mentoring program.
WHO:
- MATC Computer Information Technology Instructors and Staff
- Patricia Prime, chief information officer for WARF, WiCell and WiSys and MATC alum, is the guest speaker.
- Participation of other female information technology professionals representing other local employers.
WHEN:
- Wednesday, March 14, 2007
- Drop-in fair from 3 to 5:30 pm
- Guest speaker and information sessions at 3:30 and am and 4:30 pm
WHERE:
MATC Truax, 3550 Anderson Street, Madison, WI – Gourmet Dining Room
WHY:
To interest more women in rewarding IT careers, such as web development, programming, networking, helpdesk, security and systems administration.
MORE INFO:
More information about the Women in IT Expo is here: http://it.matcmadison.edu/WomenInIT/expo/default.aspx
In addition to the expo, upcoming activities include:
-- LAN Gaming Event - April 28, 2007 IT outreach to minority students
-- Women in IT Support Group - ongoing meetings to women in MATC IT programs
-- Women in IT mentoring
-- MATC Girls Tech Summer Camp - June 26, 27, 28 -- A hands-on experience for middle school age girls in 6 different areas of technology (architecture, biotechnology, civil engineering, electronics, information technology infrastructure, information technology programming). $15 registration fee.
Parking note:
Please call ahead if you would like nearby parking off Anderson Street, or park in the large lot off Wright St. in the gated “Visitor” section. Just press the button and say you are here to cover the Women in IT EXPO!
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Modified:
March 14, 2007
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