CA Technologies and Boys & Girls Clubs Team Up for Tech Girls Rock

from CA Technologies

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and CA Technologies recently introduced Tech Girls Rock, a new initiative to help girls discover and cultivate an interest in information technology (IT) and ultimately, in tech-related educational opportunities and careers.

The initiative kicks off in Chicago with a full day workshop for over 100 tween and teen girls who will participate in career exploration panels, engage in discussions on key IT trends and topics, and join in technology-focused challenges and projects for hands-on technology experience. CA Technologies employees will participate in the workshops, donating their time to provide real-world experience.

“Our Club organization is always looking for innovative and inspiring learning opportunities for our members,” said James G. Keane, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. “Tech Girls Rock, made possible through a partnership with CA Technologies, provides a fun, interactive way to empower girls to explore a potential future in technology. The exposure to IT professionals, who can offer their perspective on the role of technology, and guidance for those considering a career in the field, is an invaluable learning opportunity for these young ladies.”

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women make up 58 percent of the U.S. professional workforce, but only 25 percent of the computing workforce.

“The Tech Girls Rock workshop is a valuable program that addresses the need to fill a gap in the IT industry while also helping to lay the groundwork for future educational and career opportunities in IT,” said Melinda Lee Ferguson, senior vice president, Area Sales for CA Technologies. “We are thrilled to be a part of this worthwhile effort to help promote IT to young women interested in this as a potential career path.”

As part of its commitment, CA Technologies will host additional Tech Girls Rock workshops through May 2012 in various cities including New York, Boston, San Francisco and Plano, Texas. The goal is to reach over 1,000 young women.

This initiative evolved from a long-standing partnership between CA Technologies and Boys & Girls Clubs of America and incorporates two core CA Technologies focus areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and the Advancement of Women in IT.