Strongly Supporting Michigan and Its Technology-Oriented Women
Strongly Supporting Michigan and Its Technology-Oriented Women
Frequently Asked Questions
Michigan Council of Women in Technology
www.mcwt.org
1. Why should I join MCWT?
MCWT provides a robust web of technology resources and an industry voice for its constituents while fostering the support and advancement of women in technology. This progressive organization offers comprehensive programs structured to effectively bring value to a diverse group of professionals.
An MCWT membership represents an investment in your future. Some of the benefits you can enjoy as a member include mentoring, best practices presentations, local events and job opportunity postings.
2. What types of training or seminar activities are offered?
MCWT offers a variety of opportunities throughout the year, including timely and relevant technical workshops, networking sessions as well as an annual half-day symposium that teaches career skills and personal growth. Events are developed as a result of our members’ needs. The website and online calendar are great resources for keeping up with events, as well as current industry news (through our RSS feed) relevant to women and technology.
3. Does MCWT offer a mentoring program?
Yes; this is a premier member benefit. We match those looking to strengthen their skill set to mentors who are able to provide their insight and experience in the selected areas of growth. The enhanced program, which commences every spring, is voluntary. A selection process decides the match and then each team meets for one year. We ask for a commitment of time, but there is no direct expense to the participants. For complete details, visit the mentoring page of the MCWT website.
4. What type of professional networking activities are available?
MCWT offers a range of events in various locations throughout the tri-county Detroit area. Major annual events drawing more than 400 IT executives include a black tie or semi-formal gala in the late fall and golf outing in the summer. There are also monthly Connect-Net Network Forum events occurring on the second Tuesday of each month. All upcoming events can be found on our website.
5. How is my membership fee used?
Your membership fee helps to fund the basic operation of the organization, and the annual budget is managed by the MCWT Board. A significant portion of your annual membership dues is donated to the MCWT Foundation, which provides a variety of programs to attract and retain women in the technology field.
One major annual program funds scholarships for women pursuing technology degrees.
• Each year the Foundation announces the scholarship programs. Details can be found at the Foundation website, http://www.mcwtf.org/Scholarships_149.html. The scholarships and grants typically include: One high school senior at $5,000 annually, renewable for four years
• One undergraduate student at $5,000 annually, renewable for three years
• One graduate-level student at $5,000 annually, renewable for two additional years
• One graduate or undergraduate level research grant, which can be applied to research materials, lab requirements, travel and presentation needs
• Three fully configured laptops and accessories for three students.