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GRRL Tech Expo Promotes Careers in Science and Technology for 400 R.I. High School Girls

Posted on: Thursday, 28 February 2008, 15:00 CST

Tech Collective

WHEN: Friday, March 7

9 a.m. -- 1 p.m.

WHERE: Roger Williams University

One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, R.I.

The seventh annual GRRL Tech, an interactive technology expo designed for sophomore and junior high school girls and their teachers, will be held at Roger Williams University on Friday, March 7.

The 2008 GRRL Tech conference, which continues to gain in popularity from year to year, will match local high school girls with Roger Williams faculty members and female professionals from Raytheon, Amgen, Gilbane and other local businesses for workshops and presentations that promote science and technology education and careers.

GRRL (Girls Reaching Remarkable Levels) Tech is organized by Tech Collective, the industry association for information technology and biotechnology in Rhode Island. Roger Williams University is cosponsoring the event with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Verizon, Atrion Networking Corporation and Cisco Systems, Inc.

"GRRL Tech's mission is a natural fit with the values that we work to instill in our students," said Roger Williams University President Roy J. Nirschel. "I know that our faculty members cherish the opportunity to play a part in exposing these young women to the potential for careers in technology-based industries."

GRRL Tech endeavors to ensure that all girls have an equal opportunity to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from women who hold leadership positions in diverse technology sectors," said JoAnn Johnson, manager of education partnerships at Tech Collective. "Many young women are simply not aware of the career options available to them in these fields. We're attacking the gender equity problem by making technology careers genderless."

More than 400 girls will attend workshops on topics such as computer information systems, computer forensics, computer simulation/animation, engineering, marine biology, biotechnology, environmental engineering, media technology, construction and architecture.

In addition to the workshops, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, the first female elected to this position in Rhode Island, will deliver a keynote address.

A panel of professional women will also share their experiences as successful females in technology-related careers. Panel participants include women from Raytheon, Roger Williams University, Verizon, Atrion Networking Corporation, Cisco Systems, and Gilbane Building Company.

Also partnering for the first time this year is Junior Achievement of Rhode Island. Students who registered for GRRL Tech completed the JA's Groundhog Job Shadow Day curriculum, a national program where students shadowed professionals on-the-job.

Members of the media are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.tech-collective.org or contact Roger Williams University's Office of Public Affairs at (401) 254-3805.

Source: Business Wire

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