Bill Text: HI HB1165 | 2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To The University Of Hawaii And Women In Technology.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-3)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-01-30 - Referred to EDB, HED, FIN, referral sheet 6 [HB1165 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2017-HB1165-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1165 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the university of hawaii and women in technology.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the number of women graduating with degrees in computer science has decreased nationwide from thirty-seven percent in 1985 to eighteen percent in 2015. Women currently comprise only twenty-four percent of the computing workforce. At the same time, computing jobs in the United States are growing at three times the rate of overall job creation. In 2015 there were more than a half million open computing jobs in the nation, but only forty-thousand computer science graduates.
The legislature also finds that Hawaii has the goal of increasing the number of technology jobs in the state and will require a well-trained and competent workforce to fill these positions. Increasing the number of women earning degrees in computer science allows women to enter this growing job market and increase their quality of life.
The legislature also finds that while progress has been made in certain subjects through successful implementation of the STEM initiatives, there are fewer advanced placement exams taken in computer science than in any other STEM subject area. In Hawaii thirty-three percent of advanced placement computer science exam takers were female.
The legislature also finds that other higher learning institutions have taken measures that have successfully increased the number of women majoring in computer science by providing a learning environment that is supportive of women. Higher learning institutions that have made the effort to market and tailor courses in computer science to women have seen an increase in women enrolled in these degree programs.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a center for women in technology within the University of Hawaii department of information and computer sciences.
SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
§304A- Center for women in technology; establishment. (a) There is established at the University of Hawaii, within the department of information and computer sciences, the center for women in technology. The center for women in technology shall:
(1) Advise and assist to develop marketing and outreach to build interest in the computer science program among women.
(2) Review current curriculum and adopt teaching methods that are female friendly and guard against gender-based stereotypes.
(3) Set measurable goals to increase the number of women enrolled in the department of information and computer sciences and to build interest in the field among current and future female students.
(4) Coordinate programs with middle and high schools such as mentoring, summer workshops, after-school courses, and similar programs in computer science.
(5) The center shall serve as the clearinghouse for matters involving women in computer science in the state.
(b) The affairs and operations of the center for women in technology shall be administered by a director appointed by and responsible to the chancellor of the University of Hawaii. The center for women in technology shall draw on existing personnel within the state government as much as possible for necessary supplementation. Where demand for programs and services exceeds the capabilities of the permanent staff as supplemented, additional personnel resources may be acquired on a contract basis without regard to chapter 76. Permanent staff shall be covered by chapter 76 or section 304A-1002 as may be appropriate.
(c) The center for women in technology shall receive the full cooperation of all state agencies in the use of staff members, facilities, and other resources necessary to accomplish the purposes of this subpart.
(d) The director shall prepare an annual report to the legislature on the status of the program and overall achievement. The annual report shall be submitted no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular legislative session
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Center for Women in Technology; UH
Description:
Establishes a Center for Women in Technology within the University of Hawaii, Department of Information and Computer Sciences.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
