The fields of science are labeled with intimidating appellations such as geophysics, planetary volcanology, molecular biology, astro chemistry, and biotechnology. But in these fields and others there are careers aplenty. For women and minorities in particular, there is help available to succeed in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

The Women in Technology Program (WIT) is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to address under-representation of women in technology fields. The Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., in partnership with Hawaii Island and Kauai Economic Development Boards has taken on the project.

Among WIT¹s successes are programs in place and under development throughout the island to generate interest in STEM fields at a time when students are beginning to think seriously about future careers. As an example, the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB) is working directly with the Department of Education in helping fund programs such as Botball Robotics. Funds are being provided this year to Hilo and Waimea Middle Schools and Waiakea and Honokaa High Schools.

At Keaau High School, funds are being provided for a facilitator and four students to travel to an EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology) conference in Arkansas. In Kona, plans are underway to host a Big Island robotics competition in April 2006. Partners helping to make the competition a reality include WIT, MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education Center), Verizon Foundation and County of Hawaii, Research & Development.

Following a successful internship this past year at Mauna Kea Astronomy Education Center, an additional program is now being developed. Research is underway to expand upon the success of the pilot high school mentoring program that was offered by Hawaiian Electric Light Company (HELCO) last summer. It is hoped that more businesses will see the value of such mentoring programs and agree to participate.

Through WIT, financial support was provided for a pilot Hawaii Island based two-year accredited Associate of Science Degree Program offered by Kapiolani Community College in partnership with Hawaii Community College. HCC formed a partnership with KCC to deliver a radiological technology program as an outreach program that has just ended its two-year pilot.

WIT also gave support to an HCC pilot program to better prepare individuals to qualify to apply for Police and Fire Radio Dispatcher positions for Hawaii County Police and Fire Departments. Other Workforce Development initiatives include Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists Recording Engineer/Mentor Program, on-site Technology Employer Internships, and a Science Exhibit entitled “Hawaii Island Get Real Science.”

WIT¹s objectives are challenging. One objective is to study and promote overall economic development of Hawaii¹s technology industry and business climate and increase by at least five percent annually the number of women majoring in sciences, technology, engineering or math. Another objective is to create a pipeline from education to employment by creating partnerships between educators and businesses. The Marine Advanced Training Education program in place at Kealakehe High School is an example of one such partnership with nearly two-dozen additional schools expected to participate soon. EAST - Environmental and Spatial Technology - is another partnership example with labs in place in selected schools here, on Maui and on Kauai.

WIT seeks to determine and eliminate barriers that have precluded women from entering technology fields. By preparing women for much higher paying technology jobs WIT aims to improve the overall economic quality of life for women. To encourage and support women at the college level, MentorNet is a program in place at both Hawaii Community College and the University of Hawaii at Hilo that pairs STEM majors, at no cost, with a mentor in the field utilizing e-mail.

A final objective assists women engaged in internship, apprenticeship and mentoring programs with everything from childcare support to computer equipment. This broad-ranging objective places HIEDB as a resource for policy makers, educators and employers. Presentation of research, best practices results, workshops and conferences in partnership with the State Department of Education and State Department of Labor help to create a strong foundation for WIT programs.

Businesses of any size that may have STEM related internships available or employers wishing to learn more about Women in Technology and its programs are encouraged to contact HIEDB at 935-2180 for participation opportunities.

Focus on the Economy is written for Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, Warren Lee, chair / Mark McGuffie, executive director. Readers with comments, questions or suggestions should visit www.hiedb.org, e-mail info@hiedb.org or call HIEDB 935-2180. An archive of Focus on the Economy columns is available on the web site.