HI HR137

Women's computer science degree completion declined from 37% in 1985 to 18% in 2015 nationally, and women comprise only 24% of the computing workforce.

University of Hawaii is urged to establish a Virtual Center for Women in Technology to increase women's participation in computer science programs.

Virtual Center must develop marketing and outreach strategies, review curriculum for gender-friendly teaching methods, and set measurable enrollment goals for women in computer science.

Virtual Center should coordinate mentoring, summer workshops, and after-school computer science programs with middle and high schools, and serve as a statewide clearinghouse for women in computer science issues.

Virtual Center director will be appointed by and report to the Chancellor of University of Hawaii at Manoa, with state agencies requested to provide staff, facilities, and resources to support the center.