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Abstract:
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The need to attract and retain females in technology-based programs can form the basis of productive partnerships between academia and industry. The South Carolina Advance Technological Education Center of Excellence (SC ATE), with funding from the National Science Foundation, has developed a new, researched based approach that has produced results for engineering technology programs. Concurrently, IBM has stimulated the involvement of girls and women through its Multicultural People in Technology initiatives. Together, SC ATE and IBM are applying research-based solutions to meet the challenge and to support one another"s efforts. Industry and academic efforts, and the supporting research, will be shared.
A new SC ATE-developed curriculum increases student success in first-year gatekeeper courses such as physics and mathematics. This curriculum for entering students, the Engineering Technology Core (ET Core), has proven to meet the needs of diverse learners and retain female students better than traditional approaches. The ET Core, which is available nationally, has been highly rated for its ability to prepare students for the technological workplace.
IBM offers workshops, technology demonstrations, technology camps, and other diversity and school-to-workplace initiatives. IBM employees regularly devote time to supporting these programs, creating a model for other employers to follow. An on-going exchange of ideas and resources between SC ATE and IBM is resulting from a shared common vision for supporting equity in the engineering and technology workforcecreating synergy and helping build a bridge to the future for more women in engineering.
SC ATE and IBM representatives will share strategies and best practices for creating environments that invite, welcome, encourage, and celebrate females in technology fields. Results from the most effective efforts will be shared. Ways for effective collaboration between academia and industry to address gender equity in engineering and technology will also be addressed.
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