Originally published July 2 2005
Girl Scouts learn about latest gadgets in mobile tech bus
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Girls Are IT! mobile technology classroom is knocking out the notion that technology is a boy's domain, the Independent Tribune reports, by educating Girl Scouts with its 12 wireless Dell laptop computers with interactive software programs.
With the aid of a large purple bus, the girls are out to even the playing field with the boys.
The Hornets' Nest Council of Girl Scouts USA is sponsoring a summer tour of the Girls Are IT!
mobile technology classroom, a bus which provides girls ages 11 to 17 with hands-on technology activities.
The bus is equipped with 12 Dell laptop computers with interactive software programs for hands-on activities on wireless computers.
Funded by a three-year research grant from the National Science Foundation, the organization aims to change the dynamics of gender in the IT work force by arming young females with computer knowledge.
"We are encouraging information technology careers more now than ever before with our girls," said Kathy Dean, director of the Girl Scouts Trailblazers Day Camp, held this week at Camp Cabarrus.
The council focuses on science, technology, engineering and math fields to encourage members to consider careers in these disciplines.
Research shows that girls are not entering these fields in numbers comparable to their male counterparts, according to a 2000 report by the White House Council of Economic Advisors.
Girl Scouts Hornets' Nest Council serves more than 12,000 girls in 1,100 troops throughout Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Rowan, Stanly, Union and York, S.C., counties.
"In a school situation where the boys and girls are mixed together, the girls won't approach technology as easily.
Wachovia information technology specialist Eric Smith, husband of Troop 205 leader Kathy Smith, lent his services to the council.
Smith instructed campers on Web page design on the bus, which made a stop at the camp on Monday.
Her friend Jessica Roussey, an upcoming fifth-grader at Winecoff Elementary School, said she may think about pursuing a career in technology when she gets older.
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