THE PROGRAMS:
HOW?
Programming created by the INTERalliance
for graduating 10th graders is designed specifically to "stop
the train" and cause the students to pause, open their eyes,
and more deeply consider their options. Tactics utilized in programming
are intense, focused and set a very high bar for success, with well
documented learning objectives, measurable outcomes, and comprehensive
follow-up and ongoing participation by the students. Programs employ
four key principles that help to ensure the success of each attitude
forming activities:
1. Intervene early. Don’t wait under undergrad. Grab their
attention in 11th, 10th, even 9th grade, earlier if possible. Research
shows that boys who opt out of activities leading to technology careers
start their exodus as early as 7th grade (13 years old). Even worse,
young girls erroneously decide they are not cut out for math, science,
or IT careers as early as 4th grade... at 9 years old! Nothing could
be further from the truth, but only focused interventions can stop
this sabotaging of future prospects for bright, capable young women.
2. Enrich the routine educational experience. Our standard fare isn’t working. Even fully equipped computer
labs running Microsoft Office or Macintosh OS and apps leave the
students bored and uninspired when standard tutorials are the best
lesson plans we can generate.
3. Offer unique experiential encounters. Talking heads don’t cut it… The students have to use
all of their senses… see… touch… experience technology...
harness IT to solve problems... real, relevant problems that give
them a taste of the power and essential role of technology, especially
IT, in every aspect of business and life
4. Continually expose youth to local
opportunities. A single booster shot won’t make a difference.
An hour-long assembly for 11th graders about IT careers will not
make a dent in the pervasive lack of interest. It must be a continuous
deluge of experiences... paid summer internships and co-ops, mentors
from universities and industry, year-long programs that create more
than just intrigue and interest among our brightest young talent.
The programs must create prestige for the participants... among their
teachers, among their target universities, among their peers.
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