INCREASING WOMEN IN ENGINEERING & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
In partnership with the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, the WEIT initiative aims to increase engagement and preparation of female students for high-tech careers that drive much of our nation’s economy.
WEIT leverages the strong collaboration between Rowan-Cabarrus, three K-12 school districts, and more than 40 partner employers of the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute to encourage women to explore engineering and industrial technology programs.
“Today, manufacturers across the country are facing a gap between the technical skills their employees need and the skills they find in applicants,” said President Spalding. “Rowan-Cabarrus is working diligently with manufacturers to address the barrier that prevents employers from finding skilled, well-trained candidates. The National Science Foundation grant enables us to further that mission.”
The College engages career influencers such as guidance counselors, teachers, advisors and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) members to participate in its annual Taste of Industry event and other outreach efforts such as the Industry Speaks series, which are designed to highlight the many career options available through industrial and technical pathways.
“Our goal is to show students and career influencers what careers in technical education really look like. We discuss our industry-related programs, such as information technology, welding and machining, and give them an opportunity to participate in interactive simulations,” said Dr. Van Madray, dean of business, engineering technologies and public services at Rowan-Cabarrus. “Many are surprised at the high-tech, high-demand and high-paying careers available.”
The WEIT program hopes to increase completion rates among women in technical career programs, such as machining, engineering, information technology, mechatronics, and welding. Women enrolled in these programs have the opportunity to be WEIT ambassadors, participate in the WEIT Navigators group, and attend open lab events. The program also provides increased partnerships and communication networks between faculty, staff, students, parents, administrators and industry representatives.
“Women have been inadequately represented in the manufacturing industry for years, which is disappointing because females have the untapped potential talent needed to address the manufacturing skills gap in our communities,” said President Spalding. “The WEIT program strives to change outdated perceptions of students and career influencers so that they see the manufacturing industry as a valid and lucrative career option for both women and men.”