"The latest data shows that out of all U.S. entering
freshmen declaring a major in computer science,
African-American women made up only 3.3 percent. The
fact is that women are not choosing technology, and this
is a dangerous predicament. When you couple that with
the fact that it is estimated that 75 percent of all jobs by
the year 2020 will require a technology background, it
becomes a crisis call."
( Jason T. Black, Ph. D., assistant professor in CIS)
The stereotype of computer scientists as nerds who stay
up all night coding and have no social life may be driving
women away from the field, according to a new study
published recently. This stereotype can be brought to
mind based only on the appearance of the environment
in a classroom or an office.
"When people think of computer science the image that
immediately pops into many of their minds is of the
computer geek surrounded by such things as computer
games, science fiction memorabilia and junk food," said
Sapna Cheryan, a University of Washington assistant
professor of psychology and the study's lead author.
"That stereotype doesn't appeal to many women who
don't like the portrait of masculinity that it evokes."
The Pink Computer Club is a way to present an image
that is non-masculine and give the young women an
image that they can relate to. The Pink Computer Club
was formed by Carol Ray-Holmes, CEO of Lady Ray
Computer Services, LLC. This club has a limited
membership for young women between the ages of 11
and 17. The club will introduce computer literacy with a
final result of completing certification in IC3 (Internet and
Computing) with disciplines in Computer Fundamentals,
Applications (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
and Living Online.
After receiving the IC3 certification, the participants may
enroll in an advance class to include Adobe Specialist
Certification (Dreamweaver, Flash or Photoshop); MTA
(Microsoft Technology Associate) (see grid).
The club is exclusive to young women who are truly
interested in the computer science field. An application
and screening process is presented to potential
applications. The applicants will also forego an
assessment test in order to screen participants' skill
before entering the club membership.
Everything is free to the participants. An incentive of a
pink netbook will be awarded to the club member who
achieves the highest score in all three of the IC3 exams.
"I wanted to do this for the community because it is
appalling that there are not many African American
women in the Computer Technology fields. Computer
related fields pay very high salaries. I want to make the
community aware and give them a head start in either
going to college or getting a good job in the computer
technology fields." (Carol Ray-Holmes, CEO, Lady Ray
Computer Services, LLC.)
freshmen declaring a major in computer science,
African-American women made up only 3.3 percent. The
fact is that women are not choosing technology, and this
is a dangerous predicament. When you couple that with
the fact that it is estimated that 75 percent of all jobs by
the year 2020 will require a technology background, it
becomes a crisis call."
( Jason T. Black, Ph. D., assistant professor in CIS)
The stereotype of computer scientists as nerds who stay
up all night coding and have no social life may be driving
women away from the field, according to a new study
published recently. This stereotype can be brought to
mind based only on the appearance of the environment
in a classroom or an office.
"When people think of computer science the image that
immediately pops into many of their minds is of the
computer geek surrounded by such things as computer
games, science fiction memorabilia and junk food," said
Sapna Cheryan, a University of Washington assistant
professor of psychology and the study's lead author.
"That stereotype doesn't appeal to many women who
don't like the portrait of masculinity that it evokes."
The Pink Computer Club is a way to present an image
that is non-masculine and give the young women an
image that they can relate to. The Pink Computer Club
was formed by Carol Ray-Holmes, CEO of Lady Ray
Computer Services, LLC. This club has a limited
membership for young women between the ages of 11
and 17. The club will introduce computer literacy with a
final result of completing certification in IC3 (Internet and
Computing) with disciplines in Computer Fundamentals,
Applications (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
and Living Online.
After receiving the IC3 certification, the participants may
enroll in an advance class to include Adobe Specialist
Certification (Dreamweaver, Flash or Photoshop); MTA
(Microsoft Technology Associate) (see grid).
The club is exclusive to young women who are truly
interested in the computer science field. An application
and screening process is presented to potential
applications. The applicants will also forego an
assessment test in order to screen participants' skill
before entering the club membership.
Everything is free to the participants. An incentive of a
pink netbook will be awarded to the club member who
achieves the highest score in all three of the IC3 exams.
"I wanted to do this for the community because it is
appalling that there are not many African American
women in the Computer Technology fields. Computer
related fields pay very high salaries. I want to make the
community aware and give them a head start in either
going to college or getting a good job in the computer
technology fields." (Carol Ray-Holmes, CEO, Lady Ray
Computer Services, LLC.)
Contact Us Regarding
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9888 United Drive Houston, TX 77036 888-857-4419 Fax: 281-271-8528 |
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Improve Your Chances
academic institutions that you can use a computer
effectively. While many may claim to have the skills,
the ability to verify such skills is rare; giving those
who are IC3 certified a major advantage in the job
market. As a recognized academic credential IC3
will also help those interested in higher education
get accepted into leading universities, colleges,
trades schools, or other institutions.
academic institutions that you can use a computer
effectively. While many may claim to have the skills,
the ability to verify such skills is rare; giving those
who are IC3 certified a major advantage in the job
market. As a recognized academic credential IC3
will also help those interested in higher education
get accepted into leading universities, colleges,
trades schools, or other institutions.
| Carol Ray-Holmes, Founder of The Pink Computer Club, working with two students, Quaitijai and Indya. |
