A new generation of girls is being introduced to a variety of tech-related educational and career opportunities thanks to Tech Girls Rock, an initiative CA Technologies launched last year in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The program aims to inspire girls, ages 9-13, to discover an interest in technology and down the road consider tech related educational opportunities and careers.
Since the program kicked off, CA Technologies employees have participated as moderators, panelists and group leaders in hands-on, interactive workshops at BGCA clubs throughout the country in locations including Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY; Plano, TX; and San Francisco, CA.
George Fischer, Executive Vice President and Group Executive, Worldwide Sales and Services, CA Technologies, serves as the executive champion of this program and for the past two years has also served as a Vice Chair of BGCA’s annual gala, helping to fundraise for this important cause.
“By using the power of technology, Tech Girls Rock aims to engage and excite these girls about the many opportunities and benefits a career in the IT industry can provide,” said George. “Today’s young women are part of a mobile generation that is fully acquainted with innovative technology. CA Technologies recognizes their potential for leadership in the IT industry and we’re invested in it.”
Below is a list of Tech Girls Rock workshop locations and dates currently scheduled for 2013.
- Tuesday, January 22
Tampa, FL: Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
- Wednesday, February 20
Bellevue, WA: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue
- Wednesday, March 13
Scottsdale, AZ: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
- Monday, April 22 (special CA World mini-workshop)
Las Vegas, NV: Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas
- July (date TBD)
Bronx, NY: Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
Tech Girls Rock grew out of the company’s long-standing partnership with BGCA and incorporates two core philanthropic focus areas for CA Technologies: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education and the Advancement of Women in IT.
BGCA serves four million youth through Club membership and community outreach annually, of which 45 percent are young women. Tech Girls Rock is part of BGCA‘s strategy aimed at ensuring all members graduate from high school on time, are equipped for a post-secondary education and a 21st-century career.
“Our strategy supporting education is focused on introducing Club members to new opportunities, like technology, through activities designed to provide fun experiences that are hands-on, interactive, and intentionally develop critical thinking skills,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO, BGCA. “This new tech initiative, made possible by CA Technologies, equips Boys & Girls Clubs across the country with the capacity to focus tech skills development specifically for young women, ensuring a future workforce that is job ready and destined for a great future in the technology field.”
The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women make up 58 percent of the U.S. professional workforce, but only 25 percent of the computing workforce. Since its inception, Tech Girls Rock workshops have reached more than 530 tween and teen girls across the country. In addition, a post-event survey indicated a 42 percent increase in interest in tech-related careers and a 37 percent increase in tech-related educational opportunities.
For more information on CA Technologies philanthropic programs, please visit ca.com/community-affairs.
Watch a video about Tech Girls Rock.
