Build IT Program to Strengthen Technology Fluency in Middle School Girls

MENLO PARK and SAN LEANDRO, Calif. – October 27, 2005 – SRI International and Girls Incorporated of Alameda County (Girls Inc.), today announced an $875,195 three-year grant from the National Science Foundation's Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program (http://www.nsf.gov/). The Build IT grant supports Information Technology (IT) fluency and knowledge of IT careers through problem-based design curricula in after-school and summer programs for middle school girls in typically under-served communities. Additionally, program participants will collaborate as design partners with IT professionals and graduate students in the software engineering process.

The SRI and Girls Inc. collaboration draws on the combined strengths of both organizations in youth development, gender equity, technology fluency, technology design, and evaluation research. The Build IT curriculum will capitalize on middle school age girls' interest in design and communication technologies to motivate them to use technology, build their technology fluency, and foster their interest in pursuing IT careers.

"We are excited to work collaboratively with SRI designers and engineers to significantly expand the depth of IT experiences that we are able to offer Girls Inc. participants," says Pat Loomes, executive director, Girls Inc. "While our expertise focuses on girls' needs with the intent of making a difference in girls' lives, working with SRI will stimulate a new level of technological innovation and creativity that allows girls to confront and counteract the societal messages about their value and potential."

"Developing and implementing Build IT with Girls Inc. gives us the opportunity to inspire middle school girls not only to use information technology, but to learn that they can design information technologies that solve human problems," says Melissa Koch, SRI Build IT principal investigator and director. "Working with a youth development organization that strives to improve girls' learning will draw on SRI's expertise in assessment and evaluation. Together, we will develop youth development-friendly instruments and practices to identify girls' technology fluency."

During the three-year grant period , Build IT will be offered at Girls Inc. middle school programs in Alameda County and will reach more than 150 girls. Beyond the grant period, Build IT will be disseminated through the national Girls Inc. network, which reaches more than 600,000 girls annually through 1,500 program sites. More information about Build IT is available at http://www.ctl.sri.com/projects/displayProject.jsp?Nick=buildit

About ITEST
ITEST is a program within the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education (ESIE), a branch of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Directorate for Education and Human Resources. ITEST is designed to increase the opportunities for students and teachers to learn about, experience, and use information technologies within the context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including Information Technology (IT) courses. It is in direct response to the concern about shortages of information technology workers in the United States. Supported projects are intended to provide opportunities for both school-age children and for teachers to build the skills and knowledge needed to advance their study, and to function and contribute in a technologically rich society. ITEST is comprised of youth-based projects with strong emphases on career and educational paths and comprehensive projects for students and teachers.

About Girls Inc.
Girls Incorporated of Alameda County is a local affiliate of the national Girls Inc. nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold . Currently serving over 7,000 girls annually, Girls Inc. of Alameda County offers year round academic, enrichment and skill building programs, as well as counseling services to youth, and their families, from low-income communities. Girls Inc. challenges girls to explore their potential, attend college, build careers and to expand their sense of what is possible.

About SRI International
SRI's Center for Technology in Learning (CTL), which will lead the Build IT program, focuses on significant issues in learning and teaching, and on the use of innovative technologies to address those issues. To maximize its impact, CTL works in cooperation with education organizations, school systems, and technology companies.

SRI, located in Silicon Valley, is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. Founded as Stanford Research Institute in 1946, SRI has been meeting the strategic needs of clients for more than 55 years. The nonprofit research institute performs contract research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses, and private foundations. In addition to conducting contract R&D, SRI licenses its technologies, forms strategic partnerships, and creates spin-off companies.