Women in STEM: Tech Opportunities for Women in Washington, D.C.

The National Science Foundation reports that women comprise 1/3 of the STEM workforce, bringing extensive innovation, leadership, and expertise to these fields. To help foster a more inclusive workforce and encourage more women to enter STEM positions, many organizations, especially in the Washington, D.C. area, are working to create opportunities and dismantle barriers traditionally faced by women.  

Women in D.C. have access to several resources that are available in support of STEM networking, education, and careers. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area ranks as one of the best cities for STEM jobs of the nation’s top technology hubs. Nearby, the Capitol Technology University campus sits – amongst the top universities, companies, and agencies offering career advancement in engineering, cybersecurity, and technology fields – benefiting students seeking networking and internship training opportunities. Below are some of the many resources, groups, and events for women in STEM. 

Society of Women Engineers: The Society of Women Engineers strives to help women reach their full professional potential, promote engineering as a viable career for women, and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion. The organization hosts chapters around the world – including Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area – that connect its 40,000 members with programming, professional opportunities, and scholarships. Capitol Tech counts the Society of Women Engineers among its clubs and organizations. 

Women in STEM: With more than 1,000 members, Women in STEM offers a robust series of seminars, professional workshops, and social opportunities to “advance women in technology – from the classroom to the boardroom.” Notably, the organization curates an online job board and hosts two annual job fairs that connect candidates with employers in the Washington, D.C., area. 

Association for Women in Science: A leading advocate on behalf of women in STEM, the D.C. chapter of AWIS offers professional development and networking events, mentorship, and a curated book club to “achieve equity and full participation of women in all disciplines and across all employment sectors.” The organization has guided Congress, the U.N., and major private organizations in their efforts to advance gender diversity in STEM. 

DCFemTech: Focused on “lowering the barriers to entry for women in tech,” DCFemTech is a coalition of women leaders that aims to inspire, advance, and amplify the work of women in tech. Through events and networking, the group is working intentionally to close the gender gap in STEM. 

Million Women Mentors: Positioned as a national movement to engage girls and women in STEM through mentorship, Million Women Mentors has enabled more than one million mentor relationships in the last decade. Active in more than 40 states, including Maryland and Virginia, the organization leverages its considerable network of volunteer leaders to advance opportunities for women in STEM. 

STEM for Her: Through hands-on experience and engaging programming, STEM for Her aims to “create awareness, excitement, and opportunities among girls and young women” to succeed in STEM careers. The organization hosts an annual conference, connects students with mentors, and offers scholarships to women pursuing STEM degrees.  

Organizations in the D.C. area also host major conferences and events for women in STEM, including: 

• Cyberjutsu empowers women to succeed in cybersecurity and holds conferences and events regularly. 

• DC PyLadies is a Meetup group that connects women who program using Python. 

• Grace Hopper Celebration, to be held virtually in October 2024, is billed as the “largest gathering of women technologists” and covers technology, culture, career development, and workplace trends. 

• Hear Me Code offers free coding classes for women, primarily aimed at beginners. 

• National Center for Women & Information Technology holds summits, career fairs, and other events. 

• STEMNoire Conference is held in Washington, D.C. and offers a research and wellness retreat for women of the African diaspora in STEM. 

• Women in Security and Privacy D.C. provides education, advancement, networking, events, and leadership building opportunities. 

• Women in Tech DC Conference is held at the National Harbor and connects thousands of underrepresented technologists and their allies for insights, inspiration, networking, and skills development. 

About Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University encourages women to pursue STEM education towards the advancement of their careers as well as personal and professional growth. Our Center for Women in Cyber (CWC) is a great resource for students and members in the field pursuing cyber careers. Through presentations, hands-on activities and mentoring, the CWC community provides direction, encouragement, and support to the next generation of cyber leaders. 

To learn more, contact our Admissions team or request information today!