DOCSLIB.ORG

2021 NCWIT Pioneer in Tech Award,News on the Radar: 4/28/21

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2021 NCWIT Pioneer in Tech Award,News on the Radar: 4/28/21 News on the Radar: 8/25/21 Here is a brief round-up of information and news that crossed NCWIT’s radar recently and which we think will be of interest to you. The practices or content of the news gathered (while not endorsed or vetted by NCWIT) is meant to spark new conversations and ideas surrounding the current diversity statistics and trends in the tech workforce. We encourage you to add your two cents on this month’s topics in the comments below. Did you know that companies can work with postsecondary institutions to improve DEI outcomes? In response to increasing public pressure to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within their industry, many tech companies have taken the approach of directing funds toward educational institutions as a way of increasing the number of people of color in the tech career pipeline. A recent article by Dwana Franklin-Davis and Kinnis Gosha, published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, argues that while such an approach can be useful, the allocation of funds needs to be refined for greater effectiveness. In 2017, the authors note, “only 3 percent of the tech industry’s philanthropic dollars went toward college-level computer science programs, while 66 percent went to programs in K-12 schools.” This distribution, they assert, is out of balance. For example, while many K-12 schools require long-term investment to build computing programs from scratch, colleges with established computing programs can “help meet a key demand for DEI: urgency.” The authors suggest that partnering with higher education institutions to rapidly increase the numbers of people from currently underrepresented groups in the tech industry can help “move more of us closer to equity.” The article offers several suggestions for companies that want to pursue partnerships with postsecondary institutions, including reaching out to schools with diverse student populations; collaborating with schools when planning initiatives so that investments meet specific local needs; and “investing in programs that provide soft skills that help students cope with the non-technical challenges of being underrepresented members of a challenging industry.” NCWIT has many research-based resources to support change- leading efforts in both corporate and academic environments. Here are some resources that can help companies work with postsecondary institutions: 1. Learn more about universities and colleges working to increase racial and gender equity in tech education. With more than 600 member institutions, the NCWIT Academic Alliance is a great way to find and connect with undergraduate and graduate computing programs that are doing this work. Allies in the tech workplace can start by joining the NCWIT HigherEd Community of Practice. Any employee of an NCWIT member organization is welcome to join! Contact [email protected] for more information on NCWIT HigherEd and how to support the work of colleges and universities. 2. As the authors of this article recommend, don’t assume you know what colleges and universities need. Before starting conversations with higher ed institutions, educate yourself about recommended practices for recruiting and retaining college students in tech. Then, be prepared to listen and learn about the specific needs and challenges of your new collegiate partners. The NCWIT Scorecard is a good place to start learning about the current state of representation in collegiate computing programs. And, conversation two of The Color of Our Future Online Conversation Series, Black Women in Postsecondary Computing Education, offers additional insight into the specific challenges facing Black women, both students and faculty, in higher education institutions. 3. Recruitment is moot if you can’t retain. Don’t put the onus for change on underrepresented group members; technical leaders need to take responsibility for changing their own cultures. Employees report that the supervisory relationship is one of the most significant factors in their decision to leave or stay with an organization. The NCWIT Supervising-in-a-Box series includes several resources for addressing both unconscious bias and institutional barriers to inclusion and equity in the workplace. Did you know that the NCWIT Counselors for Computing webinar series, Advising for Future-Ready Careers, offers information for K-12 computing educators? Advising for Future-Ready Careers is a webinar series hosted by NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) with support from the Department of Defense STEM (DoD STEM). The six-part series originally aired live via Zoom each month from February through July, 2021 and is now available for viewingon the NCWIT website. The series explores numerous topics of interest to computing educators, counselors, advisors, and those who are preparing for a career in computing education. Guest speakers for the series include members of the Aspirations in Computing Community and TECHNOLOchicas Ambassadors, as well as educators, counselors, and researchers who share their expertise. Topics covered in the webinar series include: Connecting 21st Century Skills and Educational Pathways, featuring AiC Community Members Anesha and Annika Santhanam, Founders and CEOs of the Likeable STEM learning platform What Make an App Addicting, featuring TECHNOLOchicas Ambassador Carissa Lintao, Founder and CEO of Apptuitive, an award-winning app store optimization agency Careers in Cybersecurity, featuring Kevin Nolten, Director of Academic Outreach at Cyber.org, and AiC Community Member Samina Mondal, Founder of Cyberweek.org Accessibility + Computer Science, featuring educators Ruth Kyle and Tom Kyle, along with a panel of computing students Ethics and Computing, featuring Jess Smith, a PhD student at the University of Colorado whose work focuses on ethics in the field of machine learning and AI Reinventing STEAM, featuring Aerospace Engineers and Reinvented Magazine Board Members Caeley Looney, Aly Trevino, and Rachel Weeks, all of whom are also members of the Aspirations in Computing Community Recordings of all six webinars can be accessed here. There are many ways computing teachers and school counselors can work together to make computing programs more inclusive and equitable. This resource suggests some ways in which counselors and other educators can collaborate to help students of all genders and backgrounds get involved in computing. For example, educators can share sample lessons or projects from their classes with counselors to help them get a better sense of the kinds of things students will learn in these courses, so that counselors, in turn, can be better equipped to recruit students who might be interested. Counselors, on the other hand, can review school schedules to ensure that there are no structural obstacles to students’ enrollment in computing classes. Find the full list of ideas, plus a downloadable slide deck, here. News on the Radar: 7/28/21 Here is a brief round-up of information and news that crossed NCWIT’s radar recently and which we think will be of interest to you. The practices or content of the news gathered (while not endorsed or vetted by NCWIT) is meant to spark new conversations and ideas surrounding the current diversity statistics and trends in the tech workforce. We encourage you to add your two cents on this month’s topics in the comments below. Did you know that women’s enrollment in undergraduate STEM programs has held steady during the pandemic? A study of Spring 2021 college enrollment conducted by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center revealed a notable decrease in undergraduate enrollment, according to a recent article by Liann Herder published on the website Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. The article notes that there had been “significant losses in programs associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)” in particular, prompting concerns that recent gains in representation could be reversed for some marginalized groups. However, the study also showed that the rate of transfer students “moving from two to four year institutions actually increased,” and while enrollment numbers went down for male students, “[w]omen’s enrollment in bachelor-level STEM programs didn’t seem to experience any impact from the pandemic.” In fact, some colleges are seeing increases in the number of women enrolling in STEM programs. NCWIT Academic Alliance Member Georgia Tech, for example, was able to increase enrollment among women through targeted recruitment strategies. The article also notes that the decision by some colleges to make standardized test scores optional as a result of the pandemic has contributed to shifts in the demographics of their applicant pools. One admissions director observed that at his institution, “While 37% of applicants chose not to include a test, 63% of first-generation students chose to apply without a test score.” The NCWIT Systemic Change Model for Undergraduate Education is designed to help computing programs, departments, and institutions develop and carry out strategic plans for improving representation of women and members of other historically marginalized groups. Covering recruitment, curriculum, student support, teaching practices, institutional policy, and ongoing evaluation, the model includes research-based recommendations for action at every step. For example, one important factor for computing programs to consider is the messaging being used to introduce the program to potential students: does it emphasize computing’s real-world, socially relevant
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Six Female Scientists Transcript Carrie Ann: “Hello and Welcome to Another Episode of the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine Podcast
    Six Female Scientists Transcript Carrie Ann: “Hello and welcome to another episode of the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine Podcast. YJBM is a PubMed-indexed, quarterly journal edited by Yale medical, graduate, and professional students and peer reviewed by experts in the fields of biology and medicine. Each issue of the journal is devoted to a focus topic and through the YJBM podcast, we will take you through the past, present, and future of the issue’s subject matter. I’m Carrie Ann, a third-year student in the department of genetics Kelsie: I’m Kelsie and I’m a third year PhD student in the Department of epidemiology and microbial diseases. Emma: And I’m Emma a third-year student in cell biology Carrie Ann: In celebration of the 50th year of women at Yale College and the 150th year of women at the Yale graduate school of arts and sciences, we’re recording a special series of podcasts focusing on women and science and women at Yale. Today’s episode will highlight the achievements of six women in science who have inspired us. Emma: We had a lot of fun researching for this episode and had trouble narrowing down the list of women to highlight today. There are so many women past and present who have been incredibly impactful in STEM that we encourage you to check out. So you know, go to google, search ‘women in science’ and see what happens. You could learn a lot of cool things just like we did. Carrie Ann: The six women we are highlighting today are: Janaki Ammal, Barbara McClintock, Rachel Carson, Gladys West, Mae C.
    [Show full text]
  • 6/30/21,2021 Pioneer in Tech Award Recipient Gladys West,20 Members
    News on the Radar: 6/30/21 Here is a brief round-up of information and news that crossed NCWIT’s radar recently and which we think will be of interest to you. The practices or content of the news gathered (while not endorsed or vetted by NCWIT) is meant to spark new conversations and ideas surrounding the current diversity statistics and trends in the tech workforce. We encourage you to add your two cents on this month’s topics in the comments below. Did you know that policy interventions can help improve equity in colleges and universities? A recent report by the Institute for Higher Education Policy examines policies that lead to the overrepresentation of white students at colleges and universities, particularly those institutions considered to be “selective,” and makes several recommendations for improvement. An article by Scott Jaschik in Inside Higher Ed summarizes the report’s findings. The report points out that many of the institutions that are “best positioned to invest financially in underserved students’ success” tend to “prioritize recruiting white and affluent high schoolers.” Instead, the report suggests, “Colleges should adjust their policies on recruiting students to focus on minority students, poor students and students who may not be the colleges’ prime target.” Other recommendations include rethinking “demonstrated interest” and “early decision” policies, which have the effect of favoring students who have more resources to devote to the college application and selection process. In addition, the report recommends eliminating standardized tests, legacy admissions, and questions about applicants’ experience with the criminal justice system, all of which have the potential to reproduce systemic biases, and it encourages schools to invest more in need-based financial aid.
    [Show full text]
  • The AFIT Engineer, Volume 3, Issue 1
    Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT Scholar AFIT Documents 3-2021 The AFIT ENgineer, Volume 3, Issue 1 Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.afit.edu/docs Recommended Citation Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, "The AFIT ENgineer, Volume 3, Issue 1" (2021). AFIT Documents. 79. https://scholar.afit.edu/docs/79 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by AFIT Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in AFIT Documents by an authorized administrator of AFIT Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. March 2021 I Vol. 3, Issue 1 THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT AFIT ENGINEER Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT Welcomes New Chief Academic Officer By Katie Scott member of the Team Chair Corps of the Higher Air Force Institute of Technology Learning Commission, and serves as a reviewer for the National Science Foundation and advisor Dr. Heidi R. Ries has been selected as the Air for various university’s initiatives. Force Institute of Technology’s Chief Academic Officer charged with overseeing and ensuring Dr. Heidi Ries In 2011, Ries was the Air Force’s civilian winner the highest standards of academic quality in both has been of the DoD Women's History Month Science, graduate and professional continuing education selected as Technology, Engineering and Math Role Model instruction and research. AFIT’s Chief Award. The same year she was also the Air Force Academic winner of the National Latina Distinguished In this role, Ries has direct oversight for Officer.
    [Show full text]
  • Navigating an Uncharted Path: the Life and Legacy of Dr. Gladys B. West
    Navigating an Uncharted Path: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Gladys B. West Lily Khadjavi, Reza Malek-Madani, and Tanya Moore In 2018, the Air Force recognized mathematician Gladys B. West with an Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Award Lily Khadjavi is a professor of mathematics at Loyola Marymount University. for her contributions over a career that spanned decades, Her email address is [email protected]. from the first days of the space race. Notably, she had Reza Malek-Madani is a professor of mathematics at the US Naval Academy. His email address is [email protected]. a hand in what is now a ubiquitous tool, the global po- Tanya Moore is founder of and managing partner at Intersecting Lines. Her sitioning system. The use of satellite data to accurately email address is [email protected]. assess position presents rich mathematical challenges, in For permission to reprint this article, please contact: part because of the difficulty in modeling the Earth itself. [email protected]. In awarding West, the Air Force noted her “increasingly re- fined calculations for an extremely accurate geodetic Earth DOI: https://doi.org/10.1090/noti2243 MARCH 2021 NOTICES OF THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY 357 model, a geoid, optimized for what ultimately became moving from one thing to another and wanting something the Global Positioning System (GPS) orbit. Without that more” [3]. When a fellow classmate, Dorothy Bates, a cou- model, and regular updates thereto, the extraordinary po- ple of years her senior, graduated from high school and sitioning, navigation and timing accuracy of GPS would continued on to college, she knew a college education was be impossible to achieve” [1].
    [Show full text]
  • January 2019
    3375 Church Lane Duluth, GA 30096 Rev. Ronald L. Bowens Pastor VOL. 7 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2019 OBEDIENCE FRIENDSHIP’S By Hyacinth Chung VOICE INSIDE THIS ISSUE Obedience in the dictionary can be broken down as simple compliance, dutifulness, respect, discipline, conformity or January Theme .................................... 1 submissiveness. God’s definition of Obedience relates to hearing Hymn of the Month ............................. 3 or hearkening to a higher authority or positioning oneself under Inspiration from the Psalms ................ 4 someone by submitting to their authority and command. 78 Seeds of Faith ................................. 7 ............................................ Prayer List 8 Because of disobedience, Saul was rejected as king because he Welcome to Flight 2019 ...................... 9 failed to utterly destroy the Amalekites, instead, he chose to keep Health Ministry .................................. 10 the best of the best for himself and to offer sacrifice to God. God Outreach Ministry .............................. 11 did not want his sacrifice, he wanted his obedience. Women’s Ministry Tea....................... 12 - Senior’s Outing .................................. 14 An Evening Epiphany ......................... 15 I Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in Black History ...................................... 20 burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To Church News ...................................... 21 obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of Public Safety ...................................... 22 rams. This means we have to hear, trust, submit and surrender to Sunday School .................................... 25 ReasonsGod and his for Word. Obedience: Opportunities to Serve ......................26 Jesus calls us to Obedience 1. – John 14:15, “If you love me, you JANUARY Obediencewill keep my is commandments.” an Act of Worship 20 Sis. Monique Allen’s Initial Sermon 3:00pm 2.
    [Show full text]
  • 32, 3-March. Heritage Newsletter 2020
    Heritage Newsletter California African-American Genealogical Society March 2020 Volume 32, Number 3 DR. GLADYS WEST: THE BLACK WOMAN Ten Issues Published Annually BEHIND GPS TECHNOLOGY ISSN 1083-8937 California African American Genealogical Society P.O. Box 8442 Los Angeles, CA 90008-0442 General Membership Meetings Third Saturday monthly,10:00a.m. (dark July & August) LDS Church, 10625 S. San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA 2020 Board of Directors Elected Officers Cartelia Marie Bryant– President Corrine Hill– First Vice President Carolyn Conway– Second Vice President/Membership Ronald Fairley – Corresponding Secretary Christina Ashe– Recording Secretary Shirley Hurt – Treasurer Charles Hurt – Parliamentarian GPS or the Global Positioning System is something that we use every day. From finding your local supermarket, Committee Chairs/Appointed Officers checking directions if you get lost or mapping out your daily Peggy Powell – Books and Acquisitions commute to avoid traffic, GPS is with us everywhere we go. Open – Public Relations/Fundraising It has literally changed the way we work, play and live. Bettye Whitson – Librarian While billions of people use GPS in their car or on their Edna Briggs - Historian phone, many don’t know that a Black woman is behind the Lanetta Lyons – Newsletter Editor creation of it. That’s right, Dr. Gladys West, a Black woman James Murray – FGS Delegate from Virginia was instrumental in creating the [system]. Akosua Hobert – Volunteer Chairman Website – http://www.caags.org/☎ (323) 806-5634 And now, she’s finally getting long overdue recognition. Neither the newsletter editor nor CAAGS guarantees publication of any submission. Submissions are due by the third Saturday of each month.
    [Show full text]