“I’m always excited about Techbridge because I want to learn new things. I want to finish all my projects so I can bring them home and show them to my parents… “ - Techbridge student
Programs >
Benefits for Girls
Skills Development through Hands-on Projects
Not many girls have the chance to work with their hands in the classroom, but Techbridge introduces projects like building robots, assembling telephones, and taking apart appliances. Since girls may not ask to help with household projects or include tools on their wish lists, parents assume that they aren’t interested. But our experience tells otherwise. When given the chance, girls do enjoy building with LEGOS and fixing household appliances. We see this first hand during hands-on projects. We imagine that experiences like these will help girls find technology and engineering less intimidating and more interesting as a career option.
We also introduce computer-based projects such as web page design, programming, digital storytelling, and animation. Please visit our sample curriculum for more information.
Career Exploration
Because image is important to adolescent girls, we look to role models to show girls the interesting and useful applications for technology, science, and engineering. Why prepare for a career in technology if you think only nerds work with computers? Why consider a career in engineering if you have no idea what rewards come from design and construction projects? Interactions with role models and field trips to worksites allow our girls to learn about career opportunities first hand. Past field trips have included Bechtel Corporation, Google, Intel, Electronic Arts, NUMMI, IDEO, UC Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore National Labs.
We also strive to incorporate career development into our Techbridge curriculum. Teachers at Westlake added a new twist on the popular Techbridge Calender project. Teachers Lauren Beach and Anne-Marie Williams invited their girls to make a calendar that highlighted their career interests in technology, science, and engineering. Also, the 2006 Summer Interns created www.techbridgecareers.org, a website that introduces girls to careers in technology, science, and engineering.
Leadership Development
Most people have a fear of public speaking. This fear can be more pronounced for teenage girls who are sometimes painfully self-conscious. In Techbridge, we teach girls how to overcome their fears of public speaking and develop a confident and engaging presentation style.
Girls learn the importance of public speaking and leadership skills. In school and in the world of work, projects are often accomplished through teamwork and students learn how to communicate their ideas in Techbridge. Leadership skills also help persons advance in their career. Our students learn how to demonstrate drive, creativity, and leadership.
Teamwork
When given the chance, most students choose to socialize and work with their friends. Techbridge encourages girls to expand their network of acquaintances and work with partners outside their circle of friends. Through icebreakers, the girls in Techbridge are encouraged to get to know one another. During circle time, they check in and discuss topics like career aspirations, report cards, and recent achievements.
