NCWIT: TECHNOLOchicas

Org: National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)
Url: https://ncwit.org/program/aspirations-in-computing/technolochicas/

CISE researchers can become involved in TECHNOLOchicas in a number of ways: (1) host the TECHNOLOchicas for special events – TECHNOLOchicas Ambassadors can participate in outreach events, facilitate training sessions, give keynote talks, and more; (2) start a Latina on their TECHNOLOchicas ambassadorship journey – becoming an ambassador opens up a way for them to encourage younger Latinas to get involved in computing, and (3) spread awareness of TECHNOLOchicas by sharing the program’s digital and print assets.

TECHNOLOchicas aims to increase the meaningful participation of women and girls in tech through intentional targeted efforts in the Latino community; since Latinas are among the fastest-growing populations in the United States. TECHNOLOchicas is committed to bringing awareness, information, and experiences to families through a shared cultural lens, which can greatly improve their trajectory, economic prosperity, and our country’s competitive advantage in the technology sector. TECHNOLOchicas provides computing experiences to young Latinas in the United States, through outreach efforts at the local level and a national media campaign, TECHNOLOchicas normalizes the computing field in Latino households by bringing awareness and information to the community. 

Increasing the number of TECHNOLochicas Ambassadors at the postsecondary level creates a sense of community for the small percentage of Latinas pursuing degrees in computing fields. The TECHNOLOchica ambassadors include high school, college, and early and mid-career Latina women and provide role models for all ages.”Raising the visibility of young Latinas at Academic Alliance institutions serves as a means to encourage them to participate in the multiple awards offered by the Academic Alliance as well as the programs that fall under the K-12 Alliance such as the Aspirations in Computing Collegiate Award, and AspireIT. Collegiate members of the Aspirations in Computing community who identify as Latina are encouraged and welcome to join as TECHNOLOchicas Ambassadors. Time commitments vary by level of involvement.