Overview
Less than 15% of the students in the Computer Science programs at Carleton are women. Many of these students doubt themselves and their place in their chosen field of study. After all, most of their teachers, classmates, originators, and leaders in the field are not women. However, they are many women who are interested in this field and we can encourage them by removing negative connotations associated with women in computer science.
The Background
One way that we can help our female students in Computer Science feel included and empowered in the Computer Science community is to embed them in environments where they are not the minority anymore. There are several conferences that focus on women in technology. Attending these conferences allows students to see more Women in Computer Science. This includes more students, more teachers, more researchers, more industry leaders, and more role models. The conferences tackle issues that focus on the specific challenges of being a woman in technology. The conferences allow our students to see that women make incredible contributions to Computer Science.
The Women in Computer Science (WiCS) group at Carleton is organized by the School of Computer Science. We are a dedicated community at the University whose mission is to establish a positive environment for women in computing at all academic levels. Our goals are to ensure that women are supported in their studies, to promote women in Computer Science and to build a strong network of women in the field.
The Rollout
The purpose of this fund is to support the costs of sending students to conferences and workshops to meet with other women in computer science. One main event is CAN-CWiC, the ACM Canadian Celebration of Women in Technology. It is the premiere Canadian computing conference for Women in Technology bringing together leaders in research, education, and industry from across Canada.
The Impact
Attending these events gives our students the opportunity to be inspired by other Women in Computer Science, to form networks with other students, to share their common struggles and achievements, and ultimately form a community with more Women in Computer Science. Students that attend these events come back energized and confident. They spread this newfound confidence and enthusiasm with the community here.
For the 2022 event, we were able to send more than twice as many students as ever before thanks to all of the generous donations to this fund.