A group of universities in the San Diego area have launched GirlTECH San Diego, a nonprofit community group seeking to encourage young women to learn and use computer skills. The program will provide afterschool computing clubs for girls in secondary schools. Participating universities include the University of California San Diego, San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, and Point Loma Nazarene University.
Diane Baxter, director of education for the San Diego Computer Center at the University of California San Diego, states, “Some young women lack interest because they don’t realize that computing will empower them in any field they pursue, and those with an interest in computing don’t necessarily pursue greater skill development because it’s either not available at their school or because they lack self-confidence to participate in what is perceived as a male-oriented geek environment. GirlTECH San Diego creates opportunities for young women with an interest in computing to be empowered by that interest, and to share that interest with peers in a social, collaborative, positive, and directed learning environment.”