ITW: Attracting and Retaining Women in Information Technology Programs: A Comparative Study of Three Programmatic Approaches

University Of Colorado At Boulder, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

Institution: University of Colorado at Boulder Proposal Number: EIA 0090026 PI: Robert B. Schnabel Title: Attracting and Retaining Women in Information Technology Programs: A Comparative Study of Three Programmatic Approaches This CISE Information Technology Workforce (ITW) proposal requests funds to examine the factors that cause women to select and remain in IT educational programs, in the context of three programs at the University of Colorado at Boulder. One is the recently developed multidisciplinary Technology, Arts and Media (TAM) undergraduate certificate program that is attracting a very high percentage of women. Another is the traditional undergraduate computer science major that is sparsely populated by women but taking steps to amend this situation. The third is a Virtual Development Center supported by the Institute for Women and Technology that is specifically intended to involve women in formulating and conducting IT projects. The overarching goal of this research is to gain knowledge that will lead to greater participation in and retention of women in higher education IT programs by identifying program features that appeal to women. This project has the potential to provide valuable insights about the recruitment and retention of women in IT majors.