BIRMINGHAM – The Michigan Council of Women in Technology
(MCWT) Foundation celebrated a night dedicated to both scholarships recognition
and partner awards on May 21 providing more than $100,000 in scholarships and
laptop computers to young women studying Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math.
The annual event also creates an opportunity for young women
to get recognized by the Foundation and a unique networking experience for them
with many leaders representing the more than 70 community sponsor companies.
The MCWT Foundation kicked off the event by underscoring the
impact of their donations in furthering the pursuits of 104 students over the
past decade. The sponsors contributed only one portion of the more than
$725,000 generated to support women in technology endeavors by the MCWT
Foundation.
There is a strong network of partner companies and MCWT
volunteers that spend hours reviewing outstanding applicants to make this night
a success. The networking at the event
is a great learning experience for both parties.
Young women like Chelsea Carter can teach her peers how to
be a true role model for younger women. Her combination of academic excellence
and volunteer contributions to women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Math (STEM) earned her the $20,000 Friends of MCWT High School Senior Scholarship.
Carter also serves as a student ambassador to Focus: HOPE
Digital Connectors and loves social media. She will use the scholarship to take
her experience to the next level at Kettering University.
Carter says that “[she is] so grateful to receive this award
because it gives [her] the opportunity to be an advocate for STEM and be able
to focus on learning more as a student at Kettering, instead of worrying about
money.”
Given the importance mentoring plays in inspiring and
growing women in IT, MCWT has paired seasoned IT leaders from its advisory
board with this year’s scholarship winners for ongoing guidance throughout the
recipients’ college education. The matchups demonstrate the organization’s
lifecycle strategy.
“Role models and mentors are a critical factor in attracting
and advancing female IT talent,” said MCWT President Cindy Warner. “Our
advisory board, members, board and sponsors and their staff voluntarily give
their time and guidance to ensure these future technology leaders remain motivated
by the many rewards and possibilities an IT career brings.”
Several Mentor and Mentee pairs are already meeting as the
women took advantage of networking time before and after the event to speak
about everything from trends in technology to the next graduation party.
Alexandria Chisholm, a student at Michigan State University
studying computer science, said she was introduced to technology through
participation in MCWT’s annual website design competition for high school
girls.
“Thanks to MCWT I have found my passion, which is
technology,” Chisholm said.
The awards of the night totaled more than $100,000 for lucky
young women hand selected by a large committee of women in technology that know
what it takes to be successful. The MCWT Foundation gave three more awards
besides the $20,000 High School Senior award given to Carter. This included the
MCWT GET-IT $20,000 Scholarship to Emily Morningstar, the MCWT Presidents’
Undergraduate Scholarship for $15,000 to Arooba Javed, and the $15,000 Graduate
Scholarship to Tonya V. Thomas.
The FCA Foundation doubled its support this year, committing
$30,000 to support undergraduates who study STEM. The FCA Foundation supported
$3,000 in scholarships to 10 winners. CMS Energy donated $15,000 to support
five women pursuing technology educations and three young women received brand
new laptops from sponsors Dell and Code42.
Kathryn Foss was one of the winners of the FCA awards. Foss
is a junior at Michigan State University where she is studying computer
science. She also works as a research assistant in the National Superconducting
Cyclotron Laboratory. She got to speak to a sponsor who majored in the same
thing to learn about their career experience before the main event.
“I am so thankful to receive this scholarship,” Foss said. “It
gives me a chance to network with great women in technology and provide for my
education.”
The evening was a celebration of accomplishments and
community support for women in technology. The MCWT Foundation will continue to
impact young women through their programs as they have done so well in years
past, impacting over 2000 girls. The approach with the mentorship program and
the sheer financial impact of the awards definitely show MCWT is committed to
making Michigan an ideal place for women in technology. These opportunities
available for women at all ages, enables one to grow their career and build a
network of knowledge.
MITechNews.Com is a sponsor of MCWT and the MCWT Foundation.
Associate Editor Nicole Johnson leads MITechNews.Com’s
efforts to foster STEM education, as well as provides coverage for her fellow
women in computing. If you have a story idea for Nicole, email [email protected].
Follow Nicole on Twitter: @tech_nicole.
