Grassroots Efforts to Provide Support and Opportunities for CCBC Women in the Technology Field

Abstract

We, Professors Wendy Chin and Vinitha Nithianandam, both who teach technology courses at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), had a vision. This vision was to attract more women into the technology field and keep them enrolled in technology courses through graduation or transfer. We sought to do this by creating the CCBC Women in Technology Support Group. This group was founded in 2017. Our CCBC Women in Technology program was inspired by Virginia-based Women in Technology, and it brings female students with a shared love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) an opportunity to come together to participate in various events. These include free workshops and lectures, attendance at social events, and the ability to network with successful women in the profession. This grassroots effort is an ongoing process and continues to evolve and bring awareness, retention, advancement, and support to female students in academic pursuits and professional careers in the STEM fields.