Women make up more than half of the workforce, but in 2015 only a quarter of computing jobs were held by women. In an effort to encourage more women to take jobs in the technology industry, Duke University launched Duke Technology Scholars Project, also known as DTech, in 2016.
This career-training program helps female students majoring in computer science or electrical engineering attain internships in the industry. The program gives students first-hand experience in technology companies so that internships and jobs in the industry are both attainable and seem attractive.
The goal is to close the gender divide in Silicon Valley. In DTech’s first two years, nearly all the 41 women who participated were offered internships. Following graduation, several secured jobs in the tech industry as well.
