Grace hopper visits the neighborhood

Abstract

This paper highlights several viewpoints concerning a small regional conference for women in computing, which is modeled after the successful and well-known Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. The viewpoints include rationale for the conference, descriptions of the celebration that provide a snapshot which captures the ease of organizing a similar event at other regional sites, additional sources for finding complete information (including a detailed how-to manual) and an account of the assessment of two recent regional celebrations performed by senior researchers at the National Center of Women and Information Technology (NCWIT).

Experiencing Research Through OurCS: Opportunities for Undergraduate Research in Computer Science

“…Plans are underway to transplant the OurCS model to the Midwest, to be hosted by Indiana University in 2018, attracting participants from schools (large and small) within driving distance of Bloomington [8]. We will draw upon our network of faculty contacts in Indiana schools, cultivated through our efforts organizing regional Grace Hopper conferences [11]. The Indiana Celebration of Women in Computing (InWIC) was the brainchild of Gloria Townsend in 2004, and has been offered biannually ever since (now in the fall of odd numbered years).…”

An Effective Alternative to the Grace Hopper Celebration

“…By contrast and by design, the ACM-W model for Celebrations of Women in Computing [22] limits attendance to around seventyfive to one hundred seventy-five attendees. While the smaller Celebrations' program elements mirror GHC events (described below), the conference size allows young women considering computing majors and careers to present their research and exchange ideas in a more intimate, less intimidating setting.…”