TechGYRLS program needs public’s help

A great opportunity for many girls in our community may be lost because of a lack of support.

I recently attended a program at the YWCA of the Sauk Valley showcasing one of its amazing programs for young girls – TechGYRLS. I was overwhelmed with emotion when a few of the girls from the program expressed how the program has helped transform their lives.

As a teacher, I see how technology is transforming not only how today’s youths learn, but also how some of them are left behind because of a lack of experience with and knowledge about the ever-changing technology.

TechGYRLS is a free, after-school computer club for girls offered in four of our local elementary schools across Rock Falls, Sterling and Dixon. The girls develop skills in computer programming, explore careers in math and science, build friendships, and develop more confidence with their computer skills.

Since 2002, our local YWCA has expanded the program from 12 participants in its first year to 125 participants this past year.

It was sad to learn this program will lose part of its current funding resource and may need to cut the program service in half. I was able to make a very small monetary pledge, but I thought a better way to assist this program would be to educate our community members about the opportunity to transform the lives of girls in our area.

There are many ways to support this program. You can sponsor the program with a monetary pledge, become a speaker or presenter for the program, or host a TechGYRLS field trip to your place of business. For more information, you can contact the YWCA at 815-625-0333.

Note to readers – Jennifer Curran is employed by the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative.