The first year of Project IT Girl serves to provide a foundation of critical reasoning skills, familiarize the girls with the process of research, expose them to experts in fields that matter to them, and strengthen basic computer skills. The girls come together from a variety of different schools in a neutral environment where they can socialize, share ideas, and feel free to be smart.
Girls begin the program by brainstorming and forming groups around “global challenges” that interest them and concern them. These issues range from AIDS/HIV to domestic abuse to global warming. Groups interview experts in the field to gain different insights and viewpoints about their topic, including university professors, government workers, and industry professionals. Each group then dives deeper into their topic and works to propose a solution to their specific challenge. The girls present their challenge topic and solution to the other program participants to educate and persuade their peers. They then create a public service announcement commercial to educate and persuade the world about their chosen challenge.
Program participants attended weekly, 90-minute meetings and monthly, 4-hour Saturday sessions during the spring semester. The participants also attended an intense week-long Summer Academy held at the University of Texas. During the week, the girls focused on creating and showcasing public service announcements. The girls were able to explore a college campus (many for the first time), as well as different educational and career paths in technology.
Finished Products:
- Group Presentation about issue of choice (link coming soon)
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Public Service Announcement about issue of choice
- Google Communication Tools Suite (E-mail, Groups, Docs and Spreadsheets)
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Apple iMovie
- Researching collaboratively on a diverse team
- Developing a research question and a thesis statement
- Breaking up a research project into phases and goals
- Categorizing information in a manageable and hierarchical way
- Evaluating information and data reliability for research
- Conducting informational interviews with field experts
- Giving and receiving peer review
- Presenting to an audience through effective speaking and visuals
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Film storyboarding, cinematography, and editing
Year 1 Summary Report (Coming soon)
For more information about Project IT Girl, contact Zakiyyah Kareem by email at
or phone at 512-916-4775.
Sponsors and Partners
Girlstart 1400 W. Anderson Lane Austin, TX 78757 512-916-4775
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