Southern Utah Girls in Technology (SUGIT)
Why Do We Do What We Do?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that technology professionals will experience the highest growth in job numbers between now and 2030. Failing to bring the minds and perspectives of half the population to STEM and computer science fields stifles innovation and makes it less likely that we can solve today’s social challenges at scale.
Research Indicates:
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Girls and young women have a hard time picturing themselves in STEM roles.
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They need more exposure to STEM jobs, female role models, and career awareness and planning.
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Girls don’t initially see the potential for careers in STEM to be creative or have a positive impact on the world. But even a little exposure to real-world applications of STEM knowledge dramatically changes their outlook.
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Girls who participate in STEM clubs and activities outside of school are more likely to say they will pursue STEM subjects later in their education. The kinds of experiments and experiences girls are exposed to in these activities can provide insights for how to enhance STEM instruction in the classroom.
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Encouragement from teachers and parents makes a big difference in girls’ interest in STEM—especially when it comes from both teachers and parents.
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Educators can foster a “growth mindset” among their female students by tapping into their willingness to work hard for results.
Some Facts!
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In 2017, 26% of the computing workforce were women, and less than 10% were women of color. (5% were Asian, 3% were African-American, and 1% were Hispanic.)- NCWIT.org
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Recent research by Microsoft, NCWIT, and the Women Tech Council also found that traditionally “Women who are qualified to lead simply don’t have the powerful backing necessary to inspire, propel, and protect them through the perilous straits of upper management. Women lack, in a word, sponsorship.”
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Finding a way for women to find internal support from peers and leadership is crucial in helping women move forward in their careers and increase their overall efficacy and value to their company.
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In 2014, Forbes ranked Utah the best state for business, citing Utah’s roots in the tech industry. Meanwhile, a Wallstreet 24/7 study ranked Utah as the worst place for women. The study states, “less than 31% of management positions were held by women in Utah.”
More About Our Community!
How Can I Contribute?
Our Main Outreach Projects
Our goals are to provide:
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Opportunities in both education & career in the computing area
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Exclusive access to scholarships, internships, and professional work.
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Various mentorship & guidance to high schools girls when applying for Aspirations online competition
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Network opportunities that will allow young women to strengthen their leadership, technical, and entrepreneurial skills, further preparing and motivating them to participate in the computing workforce.
Our goals are to provide:
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Workshops & seminars that include hands-on activities in technology
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Enhance awareness of education and careers opportunities for computing
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Strengthen the portfolios of young women who have already decided to be in the computing field
Did You Know?
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Media Coverage
Opportunities for Girls to Explore Computing and Technology
Dr. Shalini Kesar, associate professor of information systems at Southern Utah University, has been the driving force behind the Southern Utah Aspirations chapter since 2013.
“Outreach projects like these not only increase awareness but also show the female students the education and career opportunities in computing,” said Dr. Kesar.
Southern Utah Aspirations includes girls from across 20 counties in Utah and east Nevada. The program has grown to include Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, Washington, Wayne, Grand, Carbon, Emery, San Pete, and Juab counties in Utah, and Lincoln, White Pine, Elko, Lander, & Eureka counties in Nevada.
SUU: A Pipeline for Young Women in STEM
CEDAR CITY–According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 57 percent of college undergraduates are women, yet only 18 percent progress into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields as a career. Southern Utah University is showing initiative on this front and is working to meet this national need for females employed in computing and technology workplaces.
Creating a Pipeline for Young Women in STEM and Computing in Southern Utah
Southern Utah University Article
"According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 57 percent of college undergraduates are women, yet only 18 percent progress into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields as a career. Southern Utah University is showing initiative on this front and is working to meet this national need for females employed in computing and technology workplaces... "
In The News: Southern Utah Girls in Technology ,KSL 5
YouTube Video
"The Southern Utah Girls in Technology Event was on May 7th at Southern Utah University. Approximately, 160 high school girls from six southern Utah counties participated in the event. Throughout the day they were involved with hands-on workshops which included: Raspberry Pi with a Smart Mirror, Gaming Platforms, Cybersecurity Practices, OZBots -Play with Robots, Create Your World With Micro:Bytes, and Become a Digital Citizen. Southern Utah Girls in Technology (SUGIT) is a free technology program with fun hands-on activities, creative workshops, & opportunities to network with local industries, as well as other aspiring high school girls. "
SheTech helps High School Girls Find Their Place in Tech
St. George Daily Spectrum online
2017-05-19
“We want to give them this experience to show them STEM isn’t boring and doesn’t have to be just for boys,” Kesar said. “STEM used to be very scientific and programming-oriented, but now it’s changing and is so much more than just sitting at a computer.”
Where Are the Women in Computer Science? 3 local Professionals Weigh In
KSL online
2016-11-21
Dr. Shalini Kesar is an Associate Professor at Southern Utah University and leads Southern Utah Aspirations in Computing (SUAIC), a chapter of NCWIT. She said, “I think globally there is a gap…the pipeline is a factor.” Dr. Kesar works both in K-12 and higher education to increase the number of women in that pipeline...
Women Tech Council Honors Utah Women in Technology
KSL online
2016-09-27
On Thursday at the Grand America hotel, Dr. Shalini Kesar related her story while she was in Salt Lake City for the Women Tech Council Awards.She grew up in India, but came to Cedar City from London nine years ago.“In my college, there were only four girls out of 60 studying technology," she said. Despite the lack of women in her class, Kesar said it was natural for her to go into science. “I had a strong family support and good teachers that made me realize what I could do,” she said...
Girl Power: STEM Gender Diversity Increases in Southern Utah
Southern Utah University News online
2016-04-11
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 57 percent of college undergraduates are women, yet only 18 percent progress into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) as a career. Despite this national need for a female presence in computing and technology workplaces, southern Utah is showing initiative on this front.
Video: Did You Know:Women in Computing?
Created by Damon Day and cast by MAD team!. The Southern Utah Aspirations in Computing (SUAIC) Program.The program aims to enhance awareness about education & career opportunities existing for women in computing...this video was created for SUAiC event that targets High school young women in 10 counties of southern Utah.....