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Abstract:
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In 2002, isisHawaii developed an Internet-based mentoring program called The One+One Program. Its current focus is on public high school junior and senior girls interested in extending their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) interests in higher education and careers. Studies suggest that intervention programs are especially necessary at the high school level to attract and retain more women in math-based academic programs and professions. Together with The Women in Technology Project (WIT), isisHawaii developed a pilot program at Mililani High School in the spring of 2003 where participating students were matched with active local professionals. Evaluation showed that the girls gained increased confidence and focus as well as valuable college and career guidance. Mentors benefited by being able to give back to the community despite busy professional and personal schedules. Using this Internet-based tool, mentors were able to support and guide the students conveniently, transcending time and distance. isisHawaii has successfully expanded the program in Fall of 2004 to include: Mililani High, Moanalua High, Kaimuki High, Kahuku High and Farrington High. In Spring 2005, statewide expansion efforts were launched on the island of Maui. Additional online services include career development, professional development, and college preparatory guidance. This paper will present survey results, anecdotal evidence, multi-year tracking and revisions/enhancements to the program as it has progressed through 3-years.
The Women in Technology Project, is the primary fiscal sponsor for the isisHawaii start up program. WIT is funded in part by the U.S. Departments of Labor and Agriculture as a national pilot and demonstration project. Before this initiative, no other workforce program in Hawaii had been created with the scope, industry clout and resources to reach young women during those all important middle and high school years when they first begin to form their career goals. The state of Hawaii reflects the characteristics of many rural American communities: professional isolationism, limited access to higher education, overdependence on a single economic engine and perceived limited career opportunities for its young people These conditions uniquely position WIT to pilot and spin-off programs that can be exported to other rural communities. This paper will discuss how isisHawaii and WIT analyzed available e-mentoring program models, including presidential-award winning MentorNet, and developed community-based, culturally appropriate and cost effective programming that can have positive career choice implications for Hawaiis girls and young women.
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