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The Women in Technology Project is funded in part through grants from the U.S. Department's of Labor, Agriculture and Education. It is the first workforce development project of its kind to encourage girls, women and underrepresented groups into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and careers.



















The Project is administered by the Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., with offices at the MEDB Ke Alahele Center in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii.

According to the latest national studies, women represent the largest under-utilized national resource of great potential in science and technology. Data suggests that in order to maintain the present number of scientists and engineers in the U.S., however, enrollment and retention of women and ethnic minorities in these fields must rise from a total of less than 25% to 75% in the next 40 years.

The Women in Technology Project was developed to address this workforce development need. United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye has been instrumental in supporting the Project, stressing that every member of our workforce, especially women, should be encouraged to reach their full potential, so Hawaii can keep pace with the changing technological landscape.

The goal of the WIT Project is to work in partnership with educators and businesses to establish a pipeline from education to employment in math, science, engineering and technology for Hawaii's women and girls. The Project began in Maui County in 1999, but is now a statewide project with its main office on Maui, and a Project Manager on Oahu.

The goal of the Project is an improved economic quality of life for women by encouraging them into higher-paying technology occupations. The goal is also to promote the economic development of our technology industry by developing a skilled technology workforce. Successful pilot outcomes are gaining national recognition, with communities adopting WIT best practices.

It has partnerships with Hawaii Island Economic Development Board and Kauai Economic Development Board, that strengthen the Projects presence on those islands.

The Women In Tech project continues to build upon existing research and current innovations , and has published/presented numerous papers both nationally and internationally.

CONFERENCE PAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS

The following WIT research papers have been accepted, presented and published at 2006-2008 national conferences: