Promoting Women in Technology – The Technovation Challenge, Los Angeles

Although teenage girls are now using computers, the Internet, and other technologies at rates similar to teenage boys, studies show that they are five times less likely to consider a technology-related career. The Technovation Challenge is a program for high school girls that focuses on real world computer science and entrepreneurship. The goal of this program is to encourage girls to become inventors, builders and designers and not just technology users.The program also aims to encourage girls to consider careers in technology by building skills and confidence while providing mentorship. In this nine-week program, high school girls are mentored by female professionals and work in teams to design a mobile Android app prototype and write a business plan. The program culminates in a “pitch night”, where teams have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The Technovation Challenge is run by Iridescent, a national science education nonprofit organization. 

In Los Angeles, 28 high school girls took part this Spring in the challenge to build the most creative mobile app. These young women will pitch their ideas to LA entrepreneurs and the public on Thursday, April 28th at the Santa Monica Public Library.  The networking event will showcase the mobile apps and also feature keynote speaker Lucy Hood, executive director of the USC Institute of Communication Technology Management and former president of Fox Mobile Entertainment.  We would love it if you joined Iridescent in celebrating women in tech at Pitch Night, but if you can’t make it, please consider making a donation!