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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 Events

Mentoring Program Coordinator Workshops 2009

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 Training Workshop for Mentoring Program Coordinators 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.

Next workshop: Friday, April 24, 2009
Lake Land Community College -
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
There is no charge for participation, but enrollment is limited.
Click here to enroll.

Six-Week Online Course for Secondary STEM Faculty

(Session completed.)
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 Workshop

This 3-hour workshop, Prospecting for Gold: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Students in Emerging Technologies, was developed for the SAME-TEC conference. Topics include: dual enrollment, informal learning experiences, learning communities and mentoring. Download participant materials and presentation.

Interested in Hosting a Workshop?

The project will facilitate additional workshops in 2009. If you are interested in hosting one for your region, contact Ann-Claire Anderson, anderson@cord.org or 254/741-8303.

Completed Workshops:

Texas State Technical College (TX)
February 13, 2009


Moraine Valley Community College (IL)
February 8, 2008


Tidewater Community College (VA)
February 22, 2008


Indian River Community College (FL)
February 29, 2008


North Orange Community College (CA)
May 2, 2008