Ankeny Best Buy Invests in Efforts to Draw Girls into Tech Jobs

Women represent only 25 percent of the technology-based work force, but a $10,000 grant from Best Buy is helping Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa work to change that statistic by involving more girls in science, technology, engineering and math, according to a news release.

At Best Buy in Ankeny on Sept. 22, local Girl Scouts and GSGI staff were on hand for a check presentation from the Best Buy Children’s Foundation Community Grants Program. The program focuses on helping provide youth with access to technological opportunities.

“The Ankeny Best Buy and its employees are excited to award this grant to our local Girl Scouts. Many employers today express concern over the quality of the workforce. We want to take an active role in developing the workforce of tomorrow,” said Kim Marie Schulze, home sales manager at Best Buy in Ankeny, in the news release. “We are committed to helping students excel in school and develop life-long skills that will ensure their success as individuals and future leaders.”

According to the Girl Scout Research Institute and the Iowa Department of Education, 68 percent of girls in grades 4-8 demonstrate decreased interest in math and science courses. GSGI knows exposure to science and math is critical to girls’ success and interest in subjects involving science, technology, engineering and math, which is why their initiative targets girls of all ages.

GSGI hosts several STEM related events each year, including Geek Squad Academy, which serves as a collaborative effort between GSGI and Best Buy. The tech camp teaches girls in grades 4-8 how to use technology in creative and innovative ways. It aims at getting girls excited about science, technology, engineering and math. This annual summer technology experience is the only program of its kind in Iowa.

“Our involvement with programs like Geek Squad Summer Academy gives girls the encouragement and opportunity to pursue careers associated with STEM fields,” Schulze said. “Watching young women develop through these programs is rewarding to our employees and allows them to support our culture of giving back to our community.”