2010 Summer Computer Camps for Girls

A special computer camp program, designed for girls in grades 6-8, is offered by Montgomery College in partnership with the Montgomery County Commission for Women. The lucky girls who attend will explore information technology and learn how technology is being used in new and exciting ways.

Studies have found that fewer than 20% of the students taking computer programming courses are girls, and women are vastly under-represented in information technology careers. In fact, in our own school system, computer programming classes often have just one girl or even no girls enrolled. Yet, computer programming is one of the fastest growing fields and provides some of the best paying career opportunities.

Our hope is that through these camps, girls will see the importance of technology in their lives, and their interest in pursuing a technology career may be sparked. These camps are staffed with MCPS faculty, and are offered on all three of the college’s campuses (Takoma Park/Silver Spring, Germantown, and Rockville).

Girls interested in the camp, who do not need financial assistance, may apply directly to the college. Those seeking need-based scholarships should apply through the County’s Commission for Women. A limited number of full scholarships for these camps are available for girls who qualify for the Free and Reduced Price Meal (FARM) program.

Please share this information with the faculty and students in your school and we encourage you to identify eligible girls who might be interested. Copies of all materials and forms may be found at the Commission’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw or call (240) 777-8330. The materials and forms may be duplicated as needed.

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Leggett Seeks Applicants for Commission for Women

Contact: Beth Gochrach, 240-777-2528
For Immediate Release: April 9, 2010

Leggett Seeks Applicants for Commission for Women

County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill five vacancies on the Montgomery County Commission for Women. Three of the vacancies are for applicants who have been nominated and recommended by organizations within the County whose interests relate to the status of women, and two of the vacancies are for individuals applying on their own behalf. Three of the current incumbents are eligible to seek reappointment, and one has indicated an intention of doing so.

The primary responsibility of the 15-member Commission is to advise and counsel the County government on issues of concern to women. While the commissioners work to ensure that women attain legal and economic equity, the office also administers programs for women, including a counseling and career center.

Members of the Commission for Women serve three year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month. Since members are active on committees and projects, it is required that they must be available for meetings every Wednesday evening. County law specifies attendance requirements for members of officially appointed boards, committees, and commissions. A member of this commission may miss no more than three meetings in a 12-month period.

County Executive Isiah Leggett is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented. Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the Commission for Women.

The deadline for application is April 30, 2010.

Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested. Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be sent by mail to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, or by email to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included. Applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.

Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members of these boards are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Leggett’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of those selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.

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