No meek geeks: Girls learn computer technology

By Shane Blatt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

USB ports. Serial ports. Motherboards. To 11-year-old Mallika Balakrishnan, tech terminology can boggle the mind.

“It’s all really complicated, but they break it down here,” said Balakrishnan, a first-time camper at the Geek Squad Summer Academy. “I think it’s pretty fun.”

Balakrishnan was one of about 100 girls, ages 11 to 16, to descend on Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta on Tuesday for a three-day crash course in computer technology.

Started in Chicago in 2007, the academy has grown to 24 locations nationwide. The camp at SPSU is a joint effort between tech gurus Geek Squad and the Girl Scout Council of Northwest Georgia.

Unlike last year’s camp, which focused more on computer nuts and bolts, this year’s curriculum spotlights new technology. The girls are learning how to produce and record digital music, take photos and build slide shows and use and customize social networking sites. And, of course, they’re learning the ins and outs of the computer.

“It’s cool, and I do this every day,” said Geek Squad instructor Brian Adamson, who was teaching the girls how to create songs.

Professor Julie Newell, who teaches science at SPSU, said girls at this age are “absolutely interested” in technology. The challenge, she said, is keeping that interest in the hope they’ll pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Second-year camper Catherine Wynns, 12, of Marietta wants to be a marine biologist or veterinarian. Two months shy of her birthday, Catherine has set her sights on the perfect gift.

“I love animals,” she said. “And since my dad won’t let me get one, I was like, ‘Dad, I either want an iPod or a fish.’ ”