IDP/WG: Computer Hardware Diagnosis and Repair for Women and Girls

Investigator(s):

Judi Wakhungu (PI) ; Richard Devon (Co-PI) ; Janice Margle (Co-PI) ; Connie Yu (Co-PI)

Sponsor:

Pennsylvania State Univ University Park, PA 16802 8148654700

Start Date/Expiration Date

1998-01-01 to 2000-12-31 (amended 1997-09-30)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$234,160

Abstract: 9714759 The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Institute at The Pennsylvania State University is a hands-on training program for women and girls to increase their competence in diagnosing, repairing, upgrading and maintaining common PC-based computer hardware. Computer science and engineering majors continue to be areas in which women are underrepresented at all levels. To embed this hardware intervention in the sort of social context that researchers say is ideal for women and girls (Rosser, et al), used computers will be from local industry and individuals for use by our participants to test, diagnose and repair. The computers will then be recycled to rural or inner city schools - the "benefit to others" that we expect will attract women students. The proposed training can be adapted to other institutions and population groups as we will demonstrate in the course of this project. K-12 in-service or pre-service training for teachers is also a target we enclose. Girl Scout/Boy Scout training, Vo-tech or high school training, and a day-long demonstration model or summer research camp activity for female middle or high school students will also be included. This is an expansion of an existing program.

NSF Org:

HRD - Division of Human Resource Development

Award Number:

9714759

Award Instrument:

Standard Grant

Program Manager:

Margrete S. Klein
HRD Division of Human Resource Development
EHR Directorate for Education & Human Resources

NSF Program(s):

RES ON GENDER IN SCI & ENGINE

Field Application(s):

Other nsf.applications NEC

Program Reference Code(s):

ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY EDUCATION, 9177

Program Element Code(s):

1544