In modern times, computer science is a field known for having a predominantly male workforce. While today's statistics show that only about 20 percent of jobs in the information technology (IT) industry are held by women, that hasn't always been the case. In the history of computer technology, many of the field's pioneers were female. Their contributions ranged from programming to helping to make space exploration a possibility. Understanding the accomplishments and importance of women in the history of computer science can help younger generations of girls see themselves pursuing and excelling in software development and other tech-related careers. History of Women in Computer Science. History of Women in IT: Six Female Pioneers in Computer Science: In this article, readers can learn about the history of women in information technology. The article looks at six women who have made significant contributions to the field. The Forgotten Female Programmers Who Created Modern Tech: This NPR article discusses the importance of women in creating modern tech by taking a look at some of the women who were pioneers in computer programming, a field that has become predominantly male. The Secret History of Women in Coding: Women were major contributors to the IT industry during the early days, particularly in computer programming. This New York Times article discusses Mary Allen Wilkes and other women who played crucial roles in the field, then looks at the drastic change in the gender balance over time. The First 1940s Coders Were Women, So How Did Tech Bros Take Over? Click this link to read about the history of women in computer science and how computer programming was first considered to be work for women. The article tells of six women who helped develop the field and how gender stereotypes were eventually used to bring in more men and push women out. How the Tech Industry Wrote Women Out of History: On this page, readers can discover the large role women played in the computer industry from World War II through the middle of the 1960s. Celebrated Women in Computer Science. Annie Easley, Computer Scientist: By clicking on this link, visitors to the NASA website can read about Annie Easley, who was a rocket scientist and had a 34-year career as a computer scientist. Frances Snyder Holberton: In this biography of Frances Snyder Holberton, the IEEE Computer Society discusses her life and accomplishments, including the fact that she was one of the original programmers of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), which was the first electronic digital computer that was meant for general-purpose use. Ada Byron, Countess of Lovelace: Born in 1815, Ada Byron was a mathematician who worked on Charles Babbage's Analytical Machine. On this page, readers will learn about the struggles and successes in her life and how she became known as the first computer programmer. Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, Ph.D.: On this page, people interested in learning about successful women in computer science can read the biography of Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, a nun who was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in computer science. Hedy Lamarr: Actress Hedy Lamarr was widely known as a popular actress during the golden age of MGM, but by clicking on this link, readers can learn about her accomplishments as an inventor who helped create technology later used by the military. Encouraging Girls to Explore Computer Science. Top Ten Ways Families Can Encourage Girls' Interest in Computing: The National Center for Women & Information Technology offers ten tips on how parents can encourage an interest in computer science. Four Ways to Recruit Girls to Try Computer Science: Parents and teachers who read this article will find four methods that can be used to encourage girls to get involved in computer science. How Can We Encourage Girls to Get Into Computer Science? To help fill the need for women in the tech industry, click this link to find information on how to help girls develop an interest in computers and careers in the tech industry. Getting Girls Interested in Computers: Find ten tips on how to get girls interested in computers on this page. Have a Daughter Interested in Science and Tech? How to Encourage Her: This NBC News article discusses how parents can encourage daughters who display an interest in tech to pursue an education in computer science. Girls in STEM. Girls, if You Want to Change the World, Try STEM: Open this link to read a Forbes article on the positive impact girls can have in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math that also examines common stereotypes about women in math and science. Three Ways K-12 Teachers Can Encourage Girls to Love STEM: The University of San Diego offers this article on what teachers can do to help girls develop an interest in STEM. Study Reveals Patterns in STEM Grades of Girls Versus Boys: A comparison of the grades of boys and girls in STEM, based on a study of 1.6 million Australian students, showed that the academic performance of girls in these areas is just as good as that of boys. Why Girls Need STEM and Why STEM Needs Girls: Parents of school-aged kids should read this Today's Parent article to better understand why more girls should get involved in STEM. State of Girls and Women in STEM: Teachers, parents, and others who click this link will find statistics regarding both girls and women in STEM.