DIGITAL encourages girls to explore STEM

On November 2nd, JMU’s Women in Technology (WIT) welcomed high school students from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to campus for DIGITAL—Dukes Inspiring Girls Into Technology Across Limits. This annual, female-led event encourages young women to explore STEM fields through hands-on workshops facilitated by Computer Science students and faculty.

This year’s workshops offered a wide range of activities, including racing drones, developing a website, programming interactive art, creating virtual reality environments, designing mobile apps, and exploring the ethics of AI tools. DIGITAL also introduced a new cybersecurity workshop, offering participants hands-on experience with ethical hacking and cyber defense.

 “DIGITAL provides opportunities in computer science that show these girls the importance of technology in solving real-world problems,” said Zhuojun Duan, CS professor and event co-director. “We want them to see the possibilities within themselves and technology.”

In addition to workshops, the event featured a panel discussion on the opportunities available for women in STEM. “We want high school students to meet people with similar interests, learn more about college, and interact with their peers,” said Duan. “JMU student volunteers also gain valuable experience as leaders, teachers and planners through this program.”

DIGITAL was founded over a decade ago by JMU CS alumna Marissa Halpert (’12) to spark a passion for technology among young women. The tech field has historically excluded women, leaving a significant gender gap. By continuing DIGITAL, WIT is bridging the gap and welcoming new perspectives into a field that benefits from diversity.

This year's event concluded with an activity designed to spark continued exploration at home, leaving participants feeling inspired and eager to pursue their interests in technology.  As this year's DIGITAL draws to a close, it paves the way for a new generation of girls to explore their potential in STEM.