Our team has always run about 40% female for the past 7 years. Our success can be attributed to several factors.
1) Provide Strong female
role models: We have a female coaches, student leaders and college age mentors for girls to look up to.
2) Provide a
safe environment: Girls on our team know that that won't be subjected to the stereotypical comments that sometimes surface when guys work with girls. (zero tolerance)
3) Provide a
challenge for ALL members. We have high expectations for everyone involved.
4) Provide
Opportunity: Girls on our team know that the potential exists to EARN any job on the team. Last year we had one all-female drive team, a female co-captain, and lots of folks on the build team, pit crew, and just about any other area of responsibility.
5) We Make it
FUN!!!: This is universal for all members, male or female. We get a good female turn out every year simply because they hear how fun FIRST and Team 341 truly are.
Hope that gives everyone some things to think about.
