Appalachian Information Technology Extension ServicesGSE/EXT Project (0832913)

Empowering young women in Information Technology

The Power of PartnersHelping students find their way to high tech

careers

Welcome Parents!

Please find a seat & greet your colleagues

Objectives

Increase awareness of the Appalachian Information Technology Extension Services (AITES) project. Identify hopes, dreams, talents, and skills of daughters or any young female. View and apply Power of Partners. Gain information on importance of your role in the decision-making process in choosing a career. Learn facts about Information Technology (IT) jobs.

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65% 45% 27% 25%

Choices

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There is a Talent Crisis in the U.S. Information Technology (IT) industry. Gender stereotypes and lack of knowledge about IT jobs are preventing young women from choosing IT careers.

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Influx of IT industry into rural areas Job availability in Appalachian CountiesWorkforce demands exceed supplyEconomic development is neededFemales are an untapped source of IT workersStudents are influenced by supporters such as teachers, counselors, and parents in making career decisions.

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There are jobs requiring IT skills in this communityThese jobs may go unfilled because not enough young people are prepared or encouraged to seek an IT job

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The theory behind the goals of the AITES Grant is that girls often get stereotyped messages or insufficient information about jobs and careers from their support system (teachers, parents, school counselors, etc).

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Stokers such as TeachersStokers such as TeachersCounselors & Counselors & Administration Pump and Administration Pump and stoke fuel to move stoke fuel to move forward ..Supporting on forward ..Supporting on the waythe way

Girls ride on front, steer, drive, and make decisions about the course of their career journey

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Consider the talent crisis in IT in the United StatesConsider that IT jobs are available in almost every aspect of business, industry and governmentConsider reasons for the low percent of women who work in IT fields (25%) Consider the barriers young women face when considering IT fields such as: lack of encouragement from stokers, lack of knowledge about the breadth of IT jobs, and gender stereotypes

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Using Handout #1

Write down hopes and dreams for your daughter or any young girl’s future success in school and future jobs. Circle one thing you hope for the most.

(2 min)

Write down some traits, skills, attitudes, and talents that describe your daughter.

What ideas do you have in common?

(3 min)

Know Your Daughters

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Important Roles for Stokers

As stokers, parents play a crucial role in the career decision making process of your daughter. Building trust is most important, as is good listening.

To build trust Let her know you have confidence in her ability to make good decisions. Tell her you care and ask how you can help. Listen fully to what she says.

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The Power of Partners DVDThe Power of Partners DVD: Helping Females Find Their Way to High Tech

Careers

As you watch the DVD, look & listen for:

1. Phrases and Key words that the partners or stokers used to communicate with young women

2. Actions partners might take to discover girls’ skills and talents and promote interest in IT

What are some key words and actions you saw and heard stokers use on the video?

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Learning the Decision Making Process

Identify goals & a timeline for decision. Determine what information is needed. Set limits. Brainstorm possible options and evaluate each based on your values. Make a decision, outline a plan, and implement it.

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Effective Practical Life Decisions

Are based on credible informationAre made after considering multiple viewpoints and options.Are consistent with one's beliefs, values, and identity.

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Support for Decision Making

Acknowledge that most practical life decisions do not have a single right answer. Support the process but allow your daughter to take the lead in the decision making. Encourage exploration of multiple information sources and multiple viewpoints. Take time to listen and help clarify what is important to your daughter and what she is good at.

Link these job interests.

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How To Categorize IT Jobs

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CreatorsJob Title Educational Prep Local Employers

Software developer AAS Information Systems Technology; BS Comp Sci, IT

Web developer AAS Info Sys Tech, BS Comp Sci

Software Engineer AAS, B.S. Software Engineering

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MaintainersJob Title Educational Prep Local Employers

Database Administrator Certifications, AAS

Systems Analyst AAS Mgmt Info Sys, BS Comp Sci, MIS/BIS

Network Administrator Certifications, AAS, BS MIS/BIS

Help Desk Certifications, AAS

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Supporters

Job Title Educational Prep Local Employers

Trainers Assoc Arts & Sci, BA, MA in Education

Systems Integrators Certifications, AAS

Marketing AAS, BS Business

Instructional Technologists

MA Education

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Management

Job Title Educational Prep Local Employers

IT Call Center Director B.S., M.S., BIS/MIS

Chief Technology Officer M.S., Ph.D., BIS/MIS, Comp Sci, Education

Middle Management BS, M.S. MIS/BIS

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IT Jobs ActivityIT Jobs Activity

Using Handout #3

i. Read about the IT job assigned to your group

ii. Discuss the nature of the job.

Guided Questions

What requirements would be appealing to your daughter?Be specific: Salary? Interactions with others? Purpose of the work?

How would the work style requirements of IT jobs fit your daughter?

Write ideas on Handout #1 under “IT Careers- a fit”

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Action Steps for Action Steps for StokersStokers

What could you do immediately to encourage you daughter to practice the decision-making steps as she considers jobs and careers?What are some things you could do or say to challenge and support young females to consider all information as she thinks about jobs and careers

Write these ideas in Action Plan space on Handout #1

Circle one thing you will commit to doing very soon!

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