1. ITs SMART: An Overview of Girls Inc. of Holyoke’s IT and SMART Programs Suzanne Parker Executive Director

2. Girls Inc. 101 Our History, Our Mission, Our Vision, Our Programs

3. STEM Need: Why Girls Only?

4. SMART @ Girls Inc. What Happens When We Assume girls are interested in math and science

5. SMART @ Girls Inc. What Happens When We Let girls make big, interesting mistakes

6. SMART @ Girls Inc. What Happens When We Help girls get past the YUCK! factor

7. SMART @ Girls Inc. What Happens When We Expect girls to succeed

8. @ Girls Inc. Explore and pursue IT careers Enroll in high school algebra & geometry Use technology & build confidence Prepare for STEM undergraduate programs

9. Engaging girls through problem solving and design

10. @ Girls Inc.

11. Mother/Daughter Tech Nights

12. What we have learned… Girls began to develop the Enduring Understandings about form and function, how the Internet works, etc. Girls developed confidence with technology Some girls became interested in IT careers Families must be engaged, they can benefit just as much as the girls As IT changes so must our programming Staff need access to training Girls need access to the most up-to-date technology Strong collaborations to IT professionals are a key to success Implementation over school breaks or summer have more consistent enrollment

13. Opportunities for Growth College Access Blogging Financial Literacy IT career pathways Safety & Security Research Academic Support Family Workshops Web Design Gaming Science & Math Health Research Media Literacy And…

14. Connect with Us, Contact Us www.girlsincholyoke.org