Page 19 - WilmU Spring Summer 2013

Marine biologist. Orthopedic
surgeon. Architect. Engineer.
On the campus of
Wilmington University in
Dover, dozens of eighth- and
ninth-grade girls stood up and proclaimed their
career goals with pride and confidence.
And with DigiGirlz Day, those goals are now
even closer to reality.
This annual event, now in its third year, aims to
help steer young girls toward careers in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. This
year, it did so with the help of Delaware’s top
technology and information experts – most
notably, U.S. Senator TomCarper.
“Science, engineering, math and technology
are critical not only to our students’ educational
growth, but to our country’s future,” said Carper,
who chairs the Senate Commi ee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs. “STEM
education prepares students for the jobs of
today’s economy, which are rooted in science
and technology. By equipping these young
women with the skills to succeed at a young age,
we are making our economy stronger and our
nation more competitive.”
Recognizing that young women historically
shy away from STEM education, especially as
they enter their high school years, DigiGirlz
was designed to address some of the myths
and misconceptions about careers in high-tech
industries, said Elayne Starkey, Delaware’s chief
security officer.
Participants, who were students of private,
public, charter and home schools from across
Delaware, were bolstered by some encouraging
words fromCarper, Starkey and other officials
before breaking into career-oriented groups.
The groups ranged from robotics to cyber
security to game design.
“It’s awesome to join all these other girls
who are really motivated and want to learn
more,” said Emily Lee, a ninth-grader at Sussex
Technical High School and self-proclaimed
DigiGirl.
DigiGirlz Day was presented by the Delaware
Department of Technology and Information
and was co-sponsored by the Department of
Education, the Delaware Center for Education
Technology, Wilmington University and
Microso . WU
Are you a
DigiGirl?
Senator Tom Carper
visits Dover campus
to encourage girls to
explore tech careers
BY JAIME BENDER
Le : Delaware’s U.S. Senator TomCarper
spoke to dozens of eighth- and ninth-grade
girls about the importance of pursuing
careers in STEM (science, technology,
engineering and mathematics).
Right: Sherena Chilton, a freshman at
Sussex Technical High School, asks a
question during DigiGirlz Day.
PHOTOS BY SUSANGREGG
SPRING/SUMMER