PROJECT TITLE :

What Influences Female Interest and Persistence in Computing?: Preliminary Findings from a Multiyear Study

ABSTRACT:

This text reports preliminary findings from a multiyear study of young girls who showed interest in applying for a reward that acknowledges high faculty females' computing-connected interests and achievements, the National Center for Women & Info Technology's Aspirations in Computing Award. The research sample includes two teams: awardees and non-awardees. This mixed-strategies study consists of a social cognitive career theory survey instrument, along with interviews and focus groups exploring themes of confidence, self-efficacy, a way of belonging, and perceived supports and barriers to being involved in computing. This text presents results from the primary survey and selects demographics from the 2 groups, along with preliminary analyses of the qualitative information gathered so way.