Lilith stirs interest in technology among girls

Efforts to address the under-representation of females in information technology have had mixed results nationally, but a local program is showing some signs of success.

The Lilith Computer Group sponsors clubs in 10 Madison middle schools, providing more than 150 girls with comfortable settings in which to explore the possibilities of computer technology. Club members meet weekly after school for an hour to work on a variety of activities under the guidance of a club leader, usually a teacher or librarian.

Women hold about 20 percent of the professional positions in information technology, even though they make up half the work force, according to a national study.

Lilith was the brainchild of Susannah Camic, who, as a sophomore at Madison Memorial High School, wrote a research paper in 1997 discussing the place of girls in computer education. Her ideas took root with the help of community organizations, foundations, local schools and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

At Lilith Club meetings, girls (and occasional boy participants) get hands-on experience with technology, including editing digital video and using design software to create logos.

“We’re doing something right, because the kids keep coming back” says Kathy Konicek, a UW–Madison Division of Information Technology employee who serves part-time as Lilith Club coordinator for the Madison School District. “About 86 percent of the kids who sign up come to club meetings regularly. Our retention rate is good.”

To keep its members connected with technology beyond middle school, Lilith is starting a mentor program. “Lilith clubs in middle school give these girls the confidence to stick with it and stay interested,” says Konicek. “Their attitude is ‘I can do this!’ But it can be hard to get their attention in high school. Our mentors will be women from the community, mostly in technology fields, and our hope is that they will help the girls stay connected.”

Lilith also sponsors a weeklong summer camp, and its annual Spring Computer Fair will be held this month. The fair offers hands-on activities for club members and a chance to meet female role models. A highlight of this year’s fair will be a visit from Camic, now a student at Yale University.