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“Technological fields will be unable to find enough workers in the U.S. without girls completing high-tech degree programs.”


- Land of Plenty: Diversity as America's Competitive Edge in Science, Engineering and Technology. Congressional Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology Development, 2000.

Professional Development Opportunities

Much of today’s research on the participation of women in advanced and emerging technologies suggests that successful completion in a non-traditional career like those in IT security, nanotechnology, biotechnology and laser optic technology is linked to strong support systems including mentoring programs. The following programs are for faculty and administrators interested in creating, implementing and promoting gender equity activities in their classrooms, on their campuses, and within their regions.

Mentoring Program Coordinator Training Workshop

This all-day workshop is designed to support secondary and post-secondary educators; career and technical education coordinators; counselors; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) department chairs; technical deans and others committed to developing mentoring programs for female high school and college students. The workshop focuses on mentoring programs that encourage women's participation in advanced and emerging technologies, STEM, and non-traditional programs. The one-day event will teach prospective mentoring program coordinators how to develop and sustain mentoring programs at their institutions and in their regions. The day’s agenda includes program design, planning, marketing, management and evaluation. Use the Contact Us form to arrange a workshop at your site.

Six-Week Online Course for Secondary STEM Faculty

Fostering Gender Equity in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Classroom is designed to help secondary teachers favorably alter the gender-equity climate in their classrooms. The six-week course provides an overview of recent research on girls’ abilities and preferences in technological learning environments and strategies for promoting their interest in STEM fields. The course is conducted online in an asynchronous, scheduled fashion--meaning that course participants may interact with the material at any time, night or day, but must complete assignments within a ten day timeframe in order to progress through the course with the cohort group. Collaborative learning is vital to the success of the experience.

Upon completion of the course, participants will understand the underlying causes of gender inequity, recognize conscious and unconscious bias, and be equipped to alter their pedagogy and initiate programs aimed at recruitment and retention of young women in emerging technologies.

Recruitment and Retention Workshops

Prospecting for Gold: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Students in Emerging Technologies is a 3-hour workshop which includes an introduction to, and resources for: dual enrollment, informal learning experiences, learning communities and mentoring. Preview participant materials here.

Personal Connections: Fostering Gender Equity in the Engineering Classroom is a full-day workshop exploring gender equity research; barriers to women's success in STEM programs; department and classroom climate; and specific teaching strategies for increasing women's self-efficacy and consequently, their program retention rates.

Interested in Hosting a Professional Development Event?

If you are interested in providing a workshop or course for your region, contact Ann-Claire Anderson, anderson@cord.org or 254/741-8303.

Completed Workshops:

Louisiana State University College of Engineering
SAME-TEC National Conference
HI-TEC National Conference
Region 10 Education Service Center (TX)
Middlesex Community College (MA)
Texas State Technical College (TX)


Moraine Valley Community College (IL)


Tidewater Community College (VA)


Indian River Community College (FL)
North Orange Community College (CA)