Schoolgirls invited to IBM tech camp

11-11-2005

by Deirdre McArdle

IBM aims to do its bit to encourage schoolgirls to take an interest in technology by holding a three-day science and technology camp at its Mulhuddart campus.

The Exploring Interests in Technology and Engineering (EXITE) camp begins on 14 November at IBM's Technology Campus in Mulhuddart, Co. Dublin. Thirty-three sixth-class girls from Scoil Mhuire Primary School Blakestown in Mulhuddart will attend the camp, where they will take part in a number of activities that will give them a more in-depth look into the world of science and technology.

The camp is part of IBM's EXITE programme, which aims to encourage 11-14-year-old girls to consider a career in science and technology. The programme is being run as part of National Science Week, which was kicked off in Cork on Friday by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin.

This is the second year that IBM Ireland has run the EXITE camp; last year 22 schoolgirls attended the camp. The students will spend three days learning the basics of electronics, magnetism, manufacturing, mathematics, chemistry and IT/software. IBM female employee volunteers will be on hand to run the camp and act as role models to the young female participants.

"The camp provides young science- and technology-minded girls the perfect platform to cultivate and develop their interest in a science vocation, which might not otherwise be available in a normal school curriculum," said Mary Wade, diversity specialist, IBM Ireland. "We have found that women are retreating from science and technology at a young age and we are hoping that programmes like this will reignite their interest."

When the camp is finished, many of the volunteers will serve as "e-mentors" to the young girls. They will continue to correspond with them during the school year via e-mail, providing tutoring and generally encouraging the students to pursue their interests.

In a separate event, 44 sixth-class boys, also from Scoil Mhuire Primary School, will be taking part in a TryScience workshop at Blanchardstown library on 15 November, which is being hosted by IBM. The boys will be able to conduct various science experiments which are designed to make science fun and interesting. The workshop is based around the www.tryscience.org website. TryScience is a global, online Science Museum that is aimed at children aged between eight and 12.