Teach more girls about computer science

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BIO

Kimberly Lane Clark is a blended learning specialist in Texas and a TED-Ed Innovative Educator. She is passionate about increasing the number of women and minorities who work in computer science by making computer science education available to all youth, starting at a young age. ”Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science skills,” says Kim, “because computer science is foundational knowledge for students in the 21st century.”

IDEA

Although women make up half of the total US college-educated workforce, they hold only 29% of the science and engineering jobs in the US. The gender and diversity gap is particularly wide in some areas of STEM (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.) According to the National Science Foundation, only 10.7% of electrical or computer hardware engineers are women, and fewer than 1 in 10 employed scientists and engineers are women of color. The current gender and diversity gap in computer science means that tech jobs are going unfilled and key voices are missing from crucial conversations.

INNOVATION PROJECT

Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani (left) and TED-Ed Innovative Educator Kimberly Lane Clark (right).

Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani (left) and TED-Ed Innovative Educator Kimberly Lane Clark (right).

Kim aims to bridge this digital divide by increasing awareness of computer science education resources. Whether you’re an education leader, a teacher, a parent, a mentor, or an advocate, Kim wants YOU to learn how to use and share Code.org resources and Girls Who Code tools. To hear more from Kim about these resources, or to book a classroom training, go here.

Below, read Kim’s tips on how to share computer science education resources with more people:

  • Host free un-conference meetups to get the word out.
  • Think about the rural areas and focus on them as well. Don’t leave them out.
  • Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth.
  • Social media is your friend…. use it!

This article is part of the TED-Ed Innovation Project series, which highlights 25+ TED-Ed Innovation Projects designed by educators, for educators, with the support and guidance of the TED-Ed Innovative Educator program. You are welcome to share, duplicate and modify projects under this Creative Commons license to meet the needs of students and teachers. Art credit: Shutterstock.