The Importance of Role Models

The August 16 Seattle Post-Intelligencer featured a story about the Microsoft-sponsored "DigiGirlz" technology camp for girls. Not only does this camp offer learning opportunities in technology, it also connects girls to role models who are succeeding in the technology field. Exposure to role models from similar demographic groups is critically important for youth to develop and maintain an interest in science and technology careers. Seeing someone like themselves who is actually in a career sends a message that is difficult to convey just through words. Cheers to Microsoft and the many others who are helping match role models with young people! As this blog and the Science After School wiki expand, I hope we can feature more and more of these programs.