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Laurie E. Bick-Jensen
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DigiGirlz Day Another Success at Wilmington University Dover Campus
Event Kick Off Featured Visit from Senator Tom Carper
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, thanks to 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. It did so This year, with the help of Delaware’s top technology and information experts – most notably, U.S. Senator Tom Carper.
“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 Committee 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.”
"Young women historically shy away from STEM education, especially as they enter their high school years," said Elayne Starkey, Delaware’s chief security officer. "DigiGirlz was designed to address some of the myths and misconceptions about careers in high-tech industries."
Participants, who were students of private, public, charter and home schools from across Delaware, were bolstered by some encouraging words from Carper, Starkey and other officials before breaking into career-oriented groups. The groups topics and interests 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 Microsoft.
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit university committed to offering flexible and career-oriented undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs while maintaining small class sizes, individualized attention and affordable tuition. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636) or toll free 877-967-5464, via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu or visit our website at www.wilmu.edu.
