Computer Explorers Franchise Bridges Science Gender Gap Between Girls and Boys

Creative Summer technology programs encourage record numbers of girls to opt-in to STEM subjects

Rebecca Parrent is listening for squeals.

The elementary aged girls in Adams County Camps in Colorado are doing what kids do in a summer camp – making arts and crafts and having fun.

The unexpected twist is that they are learning about computer science and engineering. The first time she heard them, the squeals of delight took Rebecca Parrent by surprise. Now, she simply waits for them. She doesn’t wait long.

“Oooohhhhhh, this is so COOL!”

Parrent, who owns a Computer Explorers technology education franchise in Denver, is on a mission: engage elementary and middle school girls with technology that is fun and encourages them to stick with these interests as they mature.

Squeals are great but the stakes are high. Between 2000 and 2005, the number of incoming undergraduate women majoring in computer science fell 70 percent, according to the National Coalition of Girl’s Schools. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines (STEM) have experienced similar, dramatic drops.

The gender gap between girls and boys in STEM areas is real and has its roots in elementary and middle school. Parrent and Computer Explorers not only want to bridge the gender gap, they want to blow it up.

“We’re making technology come to life, making it fun. When it becomes fun, girls overcome the stigma STEM subjects have,” Parrent says.

In one course the girls build a house with Lego’s but add sensors that switch on lights, open doors and operate fans. Younger girls create a robotics-based birthday cake with candles that light up, and that sings recorded songs upon command. More sophisticated robots and video game programming follow.

“Things start lighting up, making noises and literally make STEM subjects come to life,” she says. “We’re not lecturing girls or making them memorize the way they do in the traditional classroom, we’re making it fun.”

Computer Explorers offers technology education classes in schools, after care programs, summer camps and recreation centers. The franchise provides state of the art technology that schools often can’t afford, which keeps kids engaged with material that is relevant and interesting.

And judging by the noise coming from Adams County Camps in Colorado this summer, the squeals could be the beginning of STEM-based careers for a new generation of girls.

About Computer Explorers

Computer Explorers is a franchise system that makes a difference: It helps children fill the gap in traditional education by using creative technology to teach critical thinking, creative problem solving and to reinforce math, science, reading, and social studies readiness skills. Computer Explorers has was founded in 1983 and teaches over 25,000 students a week through 68 franchise locations in the US and five foreign countries. For more information and franchise opportunities, visit www.computerexplorers.com.

For information, contact Deb Evans, CEO 1-800-531-5053