Some of eBay’s female leaders will welcome a group of girls from two local elementary schools next week for a day of mentoring and activities designed to spark a love of technology and science.
The program, which is being organized by Techbridge in partnership with eBay’s Women In Technology (eWIT), will give a group of fifth grade students from Rocketship Si Se Puede and Rocketship Fuerza Community Prep the chance to spend a morning at eBay’s global headquarters.
On April 5, the students will get to participate in interviews with some of eBay’s female leaders, join them for lunch, and engage in hands-on activities created to inspire in them a passion for technology and science.
“This is eBay’s 2nd year hosting Rocketship students in partnership with Techbridge,” said Medha Samant, Director, Product Management at eBay.
“We are very excited to be part of this, as we feel these events help emphasize the importance of schooling and highlight the types of opportunities that exist in the tech industry -- and continue to inspire these girls to achieve their goals.”
They will meet women from all backgrounds working in roles across the organization -- from engineering to product development to human resources and technology -- and will have a chance to ask them questions in interview sessions, as well as informally over lunch.
“Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is vital to our future, and we’re excited to help introduce these young girls to the technology and science behind eBay,” said Mrinalini Loew, Head of Product for Consumer Selling Experience at eBay.
“Having STEM as my background has been the foundation of my career. During the Techbridge field trip to eBay, we’re hoping each of these girls leave with a greater understanding of technology in the workplace and feel empowered and passionate about their future."
Rocketship Fuerza Community Prep teacher Monique Castro said the event will be a positive experience for the girls.
“It is important that our girls at Rocketship see firsthand that there is a place for women in science and tech,” she said.
“Our collaboration with Techbridge helps us inspire our students to achieve big things. We see girls at Rocketship schools walk away from field trips like this with greater self-esteem and drive. We’re excited to see how the powerful women role models they meet at eBay will inspire our students' career ambitions.”
Girls of color are growing up in the heart of Silicon Valley, yet never considering careers in technology, due to lack of opportunity
Jen Jayme, Director of Development at Techbridge, added: “Girls of color are growing up in the heart of Silicon Valley, yet never considering careers in technology, due to lack of opportunity. Meanwhile tech companies are scrambling to diversify their workforce. It’s a complex problem and a tremendous opportunity. And the key lies in collaborations like this between schools like Rocketship, after-school providers like Techbridge, and tech employers like eBay. With a little coordination, we can inspire a diverse new generation of girl innovators who can transform our world.”
Rocketship Education is a nonprofit public charter network of elementary schools working to eliminate the achievement gap in our lifetime. Founded in 2007 in San Jose, Rocketship now serves nearly 7,000 students in low-income communities where access to excellent schools is limited. Rocketship’s model is based on three pillars: excellent teachers & leaders, personalized learning, and engaged parents.
Techbridge is an award-winning national nonprofit which inspires girls to discover a passion for technology, science and engineering. For over a decade, the organization has been giving girls in underserved communities real-world exposure to organizations and opportunities to pursue their dreams and careers.