Introduction to science and technology careers and leadership workshops for women and girls

Abstract

Two workshops were developed for women and girls to foster an interest in career development, higher education, and careers in science and technology. The workshops were funded by a grant from the Decatur County Community Foundation. Participants in the girls' workshop were from the local area junior high school classes. Women from the community at large will attend the women's workshops. Workshop attendees participated on a voluntarily basis. One of the goals of the workshops was to help women and girls develop self-confidence, self awareness, and establish habits that would encourage them to pursue their goals or career objectives. This was achieved by using engaging exercises that taught the participants leadership skills, risk taking approaches, goal setting techniques, and assertiveness methods. The workshop participants were also introduced to careers in science, technology, and engineering by presenting "Engineers Can Do Anything" and facilitating a discussion about the DVD afterwards. The workshop participants then listened to several professional women share their career experiences. The workshops also provided participants with a list of avenues for achieving their career objectives or goals, such as a list of potential businesses, a list of local area technical colleges and universities, or a list of local career centers. Another goal of the workshops was to have the participants establish a mentoring relationship with professional people from the community or older students. The mentors and workshop participants discussed and planned career objectives and goals, developed a Microsoft power point presentation on their career objectives or future goals, and presented their ideas to the group. At the end of each workshop, participants were asked to evaluate the workshop and provide feedback to the authors. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2006.