Communications of the ACM
National Movement Targets Lack of Women, Minorities in Computing
Women make up 57 percent of those who complete undergraduate degrees, but just 18 percent of those receiving undergraduate computer and information science degrees.
Credit: ALAMY
A nationwide movement is underway to encourage women and minorities to enter the field of computer science.
Although women account for 57 percent of total undergraduate degrees, they represent just 18 percent of all computer and information science undergraduate degrees. This gender disparity begins early, with females representing 56 percent of high school Advanced Placement (AP) test-takers, but only 19 percent of AP Computer Science test-takers.
Women and minorities are deterred from computer science by cultural perceptions about technology, says University of Virginia professor Joanne Cohoon, who specializes in sociological issues around computing and gender. She says the stereotype that technology is for white men influences students' attitudes about their own abilities, and creates educational environments in which women and minorities do not feel welcome.
Programs such as Tapestry Workshops, Black Girls Code, and iUrban Teen Tech aim to show girls and minorities at an early age that technology is a real option for them. Black Girls Code hosts events across the United States to promote interest among non-white females in computer science. Meanwhile, iUrban Teen Tech brings tech education to black and Latino males through interactive workshops, technology summits, classes, and trips to industry.
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