About Institute for women in trades, technology and science
The Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science (IWITTS) is a national organization that is dedicated to helping educators close the gender gap for women in STEM/CTE. The organization provides training, resources, and support to educators who are working to increase the number of women who pursue careers in these fields.
The IWITTS was founded in 1994 by Donna Milgram, a former engineer who recognized the need for more women in STEM/CTE fields. Since then, the organization has worked with thousands of educators across the country to help them create more inclusive learning environments that encourage girls and young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
One of the key ways that IWITTS helps educators is by providing them with research-based strategies that have been proven effective at increasing female participation in STEM/CTE programs. These strategies include things like using gender-neutral language when talking about STEM subjects, showcasing successful female role models in these fields, and creating hands-on learning experiences that appeal to girls' interests.
In addition to providing training and resources for educators, IWITTS also works directly with schools and colleges to help them implement these strategies. The organization offers consulting services that can help schools identify areas where they can improve their outreach efforts or make changes to their curriculum or teaching methods.
Another important aspect of IWITTS's work is its focus on promoting diversity within STEM/CTE fields. The organization recognizes that not all women face the same barriers when it comes to pursuing careers in these fields - factors like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or disability can all play a role as well. To address this issue head-on, IWITTS works with organizations like National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) which focuses on increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups such as low-income students or students from minority backgrounds.
Overall, IWITTS plays an important role in helping close the gender gap for women in STEM/CTE fields. By providing educators with the tools and resources they need to create more inclusive learning environments, the organization is helping to ensure that more girls and young women have the opportunity to pursue careers in these exciting and rewarding fields.