Strategies for recruitment and retention of females into IT programs have been compiled from our work with the Cisco Networking Academy Program. The following list illustrates some of the successful strategies employed by Academies:- Request Computer Science, Math and Science teachers to encourage female students to enroll in the Cisco Networking Academy program.
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Involve female role models!
Schedule a "pizza lunch" in the Networking Classroom & invite IT professionals & female students.
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Invite female IT professionals to serve as mentors and recruit female instructors.
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Ask guidance counselors to promote the Networking Academy program, especially among female students.
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Ask current female students to write an article for the school newspaper or Web site, highlighting her experience in the Networking Academy program.
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Hold Open Houses for parents & guidance counselors, highlighting academic & career opportunities.
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Establish a girls' computing club.
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Provide a female-only Open House or tour of the lab.
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Recruit from female-only programs or clubs, or those with high percentage of females.
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Schedule a "Bring a Friend Day" & encourage students to bring a female friend to the Networking Academy program class.
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On recruitment materials, perhaps include messages that specifically target females, such as "Women/girls are encouraged to apply/enroll."
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During orientations and promotional sessions for prospective students, include female students & graduates as guest speakers.
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Display information about computer pioneers, such as Grace Hopper & Ada Lovelace, in the classroom.
- Schedule a school assembly about computing careers, highlighting the social relevance & opportunities for females.
Download the complete Recruitment & Retention Strategies document (PDF 25 KB)
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