GRRL Tech Showcases Science and Technology Careers to Over 400 Rhode Island High School Girls

BRISTOL, RI (03/06/2010)(readMedia)-- More than 400 high school girls descended on the Roger Williams University campus today to participate in the ninth annual GRRL Tech Interactive Technology Expo. Presented by Tech Collective, the industry association for information technology and biotechnology in Rhode Island, GRRL Tech (Girls Reaching Remarkable Levels) offers female high school students an engaging look into dynamic and rewarding technology opportunities. GRRL Tech aims to encourage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning, break down gender myths and offer career insight into STEM industries.

Roger Williams University faculty paired up with female professionals from Amgen, Atrion Networking Corporation, EpiVax, Inc. and other local organizations to facilitate 20 interactive workshops on topics ranging from mathematics and marine science to theater and media technology.

The conference concluded with the presentation of one four-year, full tuition Roger Williams University scholarship to Susan Woodard, a senior at Chariho Regional High School, under the condition of acceptance to the University. The Tech Collective GRRL Tech Committee selected Ms. Woodard for her outstanding scholarship essay describing her passion and pursuit of civil and environmental engineering. In speaking about her interest in wind farming, Susan noted she would love "to be a part of improving the world one breeze at a time." In addition to her full-tuition scholarship, Susan will also receive an annual $1,000 textbook stipend during her undergraduate course of study at RWU.

"In our workforce today, only one in every four technology professionals is a woman," said Jo Ann Johnson, manager of youth and education programs for the Tech Collective. "We are changing that statistic through events like GRRL Tech, where hundreds of high school girls are invited each year to not only experience opportunities in the technology fields, but to also dispel gender myths and gather some of the resources they need to succeed in their education and career paths. Tech Collective is grateful to Roger Williams University, Amgen and our other GRRL Tech sponsors for their generous support of this important initiative and our future workforce."

GRRL Tech effectively strengthens community connections with local youth and industry organizations to promote technology-based education, thereby promoting a highly skilled workforce in Rhode Island. Kimberly Gauthier, senior engineer at Amgen, delivered the opening keynote address, sharing her perspective as a successful female professional in the technology industry. The event concluded with inspiring remarks from Barbie Jo DiMaria, marketing and promotions director at local radio station, 92 PRO-FM.

"Amgen is proud to partner with Tech Collective and Roger Williams University as a GRRL Tech sponsor," said Kimball Hall, vice president, Rhode Island operations. "Together, we can offer a great opportunity for female students to explore careers in the science and technology sectors. These industries offer enormous opportunities and career potential."

GRRL Tech 2010 marks the fourth consecutive year that Roger Williams University hosted and co-sponsored the conference, and the third year a full-tuition scholarship was awarded to a participant.

"GRRL Tech is a wonderful initiative that engages young women to pursue careers in technology and science, and is directly aligned with RWU's commitment to educating a competent and inclusive workforce in Rhode Island and beyond," said RWU President Dr. Roy J. Nirschel. "In order to ensure our long-term economic prosperity, we must first educate and inspire our future leaders to succeed. Programs like GRRL Tech are how we can make this happen."

Amgen, Inc. is a premier sponsor of GRRL Tech. The conference is also sponsored by: Atrion Networking Corporation, EpiVax Inc., Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, Governor's Workforce Board of Rhode Island and Workforce Partnerships of Greater Rhode Island.

About RWU: Roger Williams University is a leading independent, coeducational liberal arts university at which students live and learn to be global citizens. With 40 academic programs and an array of co-curricular activities on its Bristol, R.I., campus, RWU is committed to its mantra of learning to bridge the world. Under the leadership of President Roy J. Nirschel, Ph.D., the University has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes. In 2009, U.S. News & World Report named RWU the seventh-ranked baccalaureate college in the north.

About Tech Collective: Tech Collective is the technology industry association of Rhode Island. Focusing on Community Building and Workforce Development, we are driving technology growth, innovation and prosperity by uniting industry, government and education. Tech Collective builds and strengthens community by creating partnerships, offering thought-provoking forums and organizing state-wide participation in events like Forward Thinking, Bio Ed, GRRL Tech and Technology Laureate's Night. In promoting and developing a highly-skilled Rhode Island workforce, Tech Collective drives technology-based education and training programs for students in grades K-16 as well as for incumbent and transitioning workers. For more information about Tech Collective initiatives and events, visit www.tech-collective.org

About Amgen: Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.