News Release

Contact
David Bernard
Public Relations Associate, Public Relations
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720

david.bernard@wilmu.edu

Female and Focused on the Future

Delaware DigiGirlz Day at Wilmington University - Dover shows high school girls that they are welcome in STEM

DigiGirlz Day takes aim at the many high school girls who seemingly abandon the study of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), which are required for exciting breakthroughs in today's computers and robotics, and tomorrow's artificial intelligence and space travel. Microsoft and the Delaware Department of Technology and Information as its two major sponsors, DigiGirlz dedicates a day to Delaware school girls to stimulate and nurture their technical aptitudes, provide a glimpse of many rewarding and fulfilling future career opportunities, and correct the imbalance of diversity in STEM-based occupations.

On May 2, Wilmington University - Dover location will host the 7th annual Delaware DigiGirlz Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in its Building A auditorium. The campus is located at 3282 N. DuPont Highway in Dover. 

The event is free and open to all 8th and 9th grade girls in Delaware's public, private, parochial, charter and home schools. Click here to register for this full day event. 

Attendees must arrange their own transportation to and from the event. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Teachers may attend to observe their students as they participate.

Delaware DigiGirlz Day aims to create a favorable balance between high school boys and girls who remain actively interested and engaged in science, technology, engineering and math through graduation and into college. With interactive activities and lively discussions, this state-sponsored event shows 8th and 9th graders the opportunities available to them in technical industries. by encouraging girls to participate in educational STEM-based exercises just as their ambitions are taking flight. 

"Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are essential tools for exploration, fostering change and nurturing creativity," said Tasha D. Jackson, assistant professor and the chair of information assurance in the Wilmington University College of Technology. "Our goal is to provide an enriching experience for girls from across the state by introducing them to a variety of these disciplines."

Jackson said the event's organizers are expecting up to 300 girls in attendance at the Dover campus.

Hands-on activities at DigiGirlz Day 2017 will include writing computer code to create a simple video game, learning about the cybersecurity tools that professionals use to detect and defeat hackers, and exploring the chemistry behind consumer beauty products.

In addition, roundtable discussions with female professionals in STEM-related careers will address some of the myths, misconceptions, prospects, and potential of careers in technical industries. 

DigiGirlz Day is also sponsored by JP Morgan Chase & Co., and Dell.

For more information about DigiGirlz Day or to register for it, visit the Delaware Department of Technology and Information's event website or contact Tasha Jackson via email to tasha .d.jackson@wilmu.edu.


About Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing nonprofit doctoral institution in America 2004 – 2014 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.

Published: Thursday, April 20, 2017 - New Castle, DE