THE IMPACT OF EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS

Each year, IST students have the opportunity to participate in out-of-class experiences—such as the Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing and the ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference—thanks to generous support from corporate sponsors, conference scholarships, and the College of IST. These experiential programs help students enhance their education, build their professional network, explore career opportunities, and connect through common experiences.

“The college strongly believes in supporting experiences such as Tapia to ensure our students from underrepresented populations in STEM fields know they belong and have a voice in an industry with a significant gender and diversity gap,” said Madhavi Kari, assistant director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “These experiences are instrumental in helping students gain confidence, inspire them to achieve their goals, and know they can be successful in their careers.”

This year, nearly 30 IST participated in these opportunities. Fourteen students attended the three-day Tapia Celebration in Washington, D.C. in early September. They were accompanied by several members of the college’s administration and faculty, including Andrew Sears, dean; Jocelyn Bennett Garraway, assistant dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion; Lynette Yarger and John Yen, professors; and Kari. Six students and Bennett Garraway attended the four-day Grace Hopper Celebration in Orlando, Florida, in late September to learn, network, and celebrate the contributions women have made in the technology industry, with an additional nine students participating in the conference’s virtual offerings.

“The Grace Hopper Celebration was a powerful, motivating, and inspirational experience and opportunity for the women, men, and nonbinary students, faculty, administrator, and corporate representatives who were in attendance,” said Bennett Garraway. “The participants benefited from the experiences and wisdom of women leaders in the field of technology who are continually paving the way for the advancement of women and nonbinary technologists.”

Added Kari, “I’ve noticed that when students participate in these experiences, the feeling of isolation or imposter syndrome lessens and the feeling of inclusion, belonging, and community in the tech industry increases.”