Members of the Social Science Advisory Board (SSAB) support the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) through their research and knowledge about women and information technology.  The depth and breadth of perspectives and approaches that SSAB members and visitors bring to the study of women and computing are illustrated in examples of their recent research projects.  In the research summaries that follow, we see expertise across social science fields, and theoretical and empirical issues and findings with implications for diversity and the full participation of wome

Flexible work arrangements and career paths, along with re-entry training and support, can attract and retain mid-career female employees. In order to retain women in IT by attracting those who wish to return to work, Lehman Brothers Encore program seeks out non-traditional resumes, provides reentry training and support, and offers flexible work arrangements. In its first year, the program hired 20 new employees.

Women and minority students are not in computing courses under the same conditions as their white male classmates. Instructional practices offer opportunities to level the playing field and improve the retention of underrepresented students. A new, smaller introductory computer science class tailored for inexperienced students at the University of Virginia recruited more minority and women students and resulted in many more students declaring a major in computer science.