IBM takes 600 sixth and seventh grade girls to summer camp, and they're EXITED!

There are not enough women pursuing careers in math and science. Why? In elementary school, boys and girls are equally talented and engaged in math and science. But around the fifth grade, we begin to see a dramatic drop in the girls' interest. In addition, studies have shown that girls are often discouraged from pursuing technical careers. Given IBM's continuing involvement in school programs, its major role in National Engineers Week this year, and tbe conception and launch of the first annual "Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day," it is clear that reaching out to children to stimulate their interest in math and science is a top priority for the company. Another way IBM spurs female interest in math and science is with EXITE (EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering), a summer camp program designed to encourage girls' interest in mathematics and science and give them an in-depth look at the numerous career opportunities that involve technology. "With the EXITE camps we hope to give these girls confidence when dealing with technical materials and help them realize that they can be successful in these fields," said Jacelyn Swenson, IBM EXITE Camps program manager and member of the IBM Women in Technology team. "Through the camps, we'll encourage the girls to stick with their math and science classes through high school graduation so they'll be able to pursue whatever course of study they decide to follow when they arrive in college." The first of the one-week camp sessions took place the week of June 11 in Boulder, Colorado. This summer, a total of 13 IBM EXITE Camps took place across the U.S., with two sessions in Canada, and one camp each in Scotland, Mexico, Japan, Peru, Australia and Spain. This is EXITE's third year, and more than 600 sixth and seventh grade girls worldwide are signed up to attend 21 technology camps - - sponsored and paid for by IBM. Last year, there were five camps on IBM sites while another six camps were held on college campuses. Camper Selection Participants are nominated by counselors and teachers at middle schools that are located near an IBM facility and have an established IBM relationship through programs such as "Reinventing Education" and "IBM MentorPlace." In order to be considered, female students must havedemonstrated ability and interest in math and science, and maintain a minimum average of "C" in the required courses. What Happens at an IBM EXITE Camp? IBM invites its women technologists (researchers, developers, programmers, scientists) to teach campers about the many engineering topics by creating fun, interactive activities in a team-based environment. The girls may design web pages and computer chips, and perhaps work with laser optics, animation and robotics. Many of the camps will use a technology called Lotus QuickPlace, which serves as a virtual location for participants to connect within the same camp as well as to EXITE Camps around the world. "By providing girls with positive role models and hands-on experience in technology, we hope to spark their interest in the difference that technology makes to our lives and our world, encouraging them to pursue careers in technical fields," Swenson added. "In turn, they can ensure women will be well-served by designing future products and services with their needs in mind." Relationship Building After the sessions end, campers are invited to keep in touch with the IBM female professionals they meet through IBM MentorPlace. "We want to be able to continue building the relationship that began at camp, and let these girls know they have a resource, and rolemodel, they can always call upon - whether to ask advice about school, a project, a career issue, or just to say 'hello'," said Swenson. And these three photos are from the EXITE camp held in San Jose, Calif.