Technology Knows No Gender

By Shannon in News on Jun 21, 2007 10:15PM

Techies and geeks, rejoice: goddesses walk among you. These aren’t high-maintenance, untouchable fantasy goddesses. Nor are they freaky tentacle-fresh hentai maidens, either, you otaku junkies. They’re gearheads just like you, only made from softer parts. At least, they will be with enough guidance and teaching at a young age. Enter the Geek Squad.

That’s right, Best Buy’s computer repair mavens are making young girls’ dreams come true by introducing them to technology. It all started when Moira Hardek, originally from Palos Heights, noticed a problem with her Geek Squad work environment: she didn’t have any female peers. Disturbed by this trend (as are many Chicago-area women), she did some research and discovered that the younger girls are when they bond with computers, the more likely they are to pursue technological careers. Using that premise, she persuaded her bosses to start a good old-fashioned computer camp. Dubbed the Geek Squad Summer Academy, its inaugural run is being spearheaded by Hardek at her old high school, Mother McAuley on the Southwest Side. Oh, and no boys allowed!!! Teen participants spent the past week building networks, making recycled jewelry from old computer parts, and even programming. Another workshop aimed at the middle school crowd is scheduled for next week.

We love, love, love this idea. In fact, we wish we’d had this sort of thing growing up. Although we while away most of our techie time with guys, the germ of learning sows best in us when we’re in a comfortable environment, either with fellow females or less scabrous males. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that’s a part of building your own computer, or the novel glee that comes with using GPS for a scavenger hunt. We relish the thought of our city’s daughters hard-wired for the future.

Image via geekculture.com.