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Chabot Space & Science Center Encourages Girls in Technology with Techbridge Program

15 March 2001 – OAKLAND, CA: "You have to be supersmart to work with computers." "I see a male staring at the screen all day long, typing." "I imagine someone always stressed." With ideas like these is it any wonder why so many girls decide not to enroll in a technology summer camp or an advanced programming class at school? Chabot Space & Science Center (CSSC) is helping change these stereotypes and bridge the gender gap in technology with a new program for girls in Oakland. Techbridge, a three-year program supported by the National Science Foundation, is introducing girls to technology in before and afterschool programs. CSSC is collaborating with Oakland Unified School District, California State University, Hayward, Mills College, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Community Resources for Science to encourage girls to pursue academic and career options in technology and contribute much needed research regarding gender, culture, and technology.

Techbridge supports a network of teachers, counselors, families, role models, and peers in keeping girls involved and motivated in technology. The program operates at five middle schools (Edna Brewer, Frick, Bret Harte, Montera, and John Swett) and four high schools (Fremont, Oakland Technical, McClymonds, and Skyline) in Oakland Unified School District. Teachers are offering projects that appeal to girls' interests, like designing Web sites, creating a digital yearbook, and making videos.

Just listen to what students and teachers have to say about their experiences in the program: "It seemed hard at first, but now it's easy, very easy. I was reading directions for the first time," noted a girl at Frick Middle School as she put together an AM/FM radio kit. Her teacher noted, "We now have two working radios and better yet, two expert radio kit builders who are helping the other girls complete their kits." "I'm a genius," exclaimed a student at Fremont High when she called home on a telephone she had assembled on her own.

"Image is important to adolescent girls and we are introducing our students to role models who help dispel the 'geek' stereotypes related to technology," commented Etta Heber, Director of Media and Technology at CSSC. "Techbridge helps girls see the relevance of technology to their futures and advises them on how to make wise choices in school." Role models from CSSC, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Merritt College, Mills College, and NEC have already gotten involved and the project is currently recruiting others with a broad range of interests and backgrounds.

"Techbridge encourages girls at an important time in their lives," said Linda Kekelis, project director. "Girls have many important decisions to make during middle school and high, but don't always have the support they need. Techbridge supports girls' involvement in technology at a time when computer usage and confidence decline in many girls."

"We are especially excited about the opportunities for professional development that Techbridge affords the school district," said Yolanda Peeks, Co-Principal Investigator and Executive Director of the Leadership Academy at OUSD. "Teachers are provided time to network and learn from one another how to address the motivational factors that limit girls' participation in technology." Techbridge also includes training to help counselors advise girls and their families of academic and career paths in technology.

Under the direction of Lynn Phillips, author of the Girls Report and expert on girls' development, girls in Techbridge are participating in a three-year study. This research looks at how gender and culture influence girls' experiences with and access to technology. Findings will help facilities like CSSC better serve different groups of girls and their families.

To find out more about the Techbridge program visit www.chabotspace.org/visit/programs/techbridge.asp

Originally created for the Oakland school system in 1883, Chabot Space & Science Center has a distinguished history as the first public observatory in the western U.S. and as the provider of highly regarded educational and community programs in astronomy for over 115 years. Its observatory, planetarium, exhibits, and park setting are a place where students, teachers, and the public can imagine, understand, and learn to shape their future through science. The Center has supported a number of programs like Techbridge to ensure that girls fully participate in science and technology.

The new Chabot Space & Science Center opened to the public on August 19, 2000. It is an innovative teaching and learning center focusing on astronomy and the inter-relationships of all the sciences. Its telescope and observatory complex, domed-screen Tien MegaDome Theater, Ask Jeeves Planetarium, exhibits and natural park setting are a place where students, teachers and the public can imagine, understand and learn to shape their future. Set amid thirteen trail-laced acres in Joaquin Miller Park, with glorious views of San Francisco Bay and the Oakland foothills, the $76-million complex offers a hands-on celebration of sights, sounds, and science.

Chabot Space & Science Center is the continuation and expansion of Oakland, California’s public Chabot Observatory that has served San Francisco Bay Area schools and citizens with astronomy and science education programs for 117 years. The institution began in 1883 as the Oakland Observatory, through a gift from Anthony Chabot to the City of Oakland. The original Oakland Observatory was located in downtown Oakland, and provided public telescope viewing for the community. For decades, it served as the official timekeeping station for the entire Bay Area, measuring time with its transit telescope.

For information and tickets, please call (510) 336-7300.
www.chabotspace.org.