2020 EDSIG Proceedings: Abstract Presentation
Engaging Government-Industry-University Partnerships to Further Gender Equity in STEM Workforce Education through Technology and Information System Learning Tools
Kirk Knestis
Incer, LLC
Rebekah Rebekah
Becks Intelligence Group, LLC
Joselina Cheng
University of Central Oklahoma
Abstract:
This paper details processes through which a grant-funded project leveraged active
partnerships among government agencies (e.g. the Federal Bureau of Investigation); industry
firms (e.g. Apple, IBM), and university entities to research and develop an innovative, out-of-school
information system and technology workforce education program, with the aim of improving equity
of opportunity for high school girls. As senior personnel on a project funded under a National Science
Foundation workforce development program (Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and
Teachers or ITEST), the authors focus on how those cross-sector collaborations informed decisions
driving implementation and design of technology-rich experiences to engage girls in data science,
analytics, information communication technology, and programming disciplines in an experiential,
law enforcement computer forensics context. Their discussion considers implications regarding the most
useful—and evolving—roles that business and government partners might play developing programs to
motivate girls traditionally underrepresented in technical fields to be more aware of, interested in, and
prepared for careers in technology, information systems, and related disciplines