What influences female interest and persistence in computing? Preliminary findings from a multi-year study

Abstract

This paper reports preliminary findings from a multi-year study of young women who showed interest in applying for an award that recognizes high school females' computing-related interests and achievements, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing Award. The research sample includes two groups: Awardees and non-Awardees. This mixed-methods study consists of a social cognitive career theory (SCCT) survey instrument, as well as interviews and focus groups exploring themes of confidence, self-efficacy, a sense of belonging, and perceived supports and barriers to being involved in computing. This paper describes results from the first survey and select demographics from the two groups, Awardees (n=691) and Non-Awardees (n=760), along with preliminary analyses of the qualitative data gathered thus far.