Online ordering software company supports young female students with an interest in technology
In an effort to continue to support programs that encourage girls at an early age to embrace STEM related subjects in school and to embolden them to pursue careers in technology, orderTalk, Inc., a leading provider of online ordering systems for restaurants, has donated $2,000 to two Girlstartafter school programs in Texas.
“As a company on the cutting-edge of digital software design and application, we understand the importance of investing in future generations that will one day be leading the industry,” said orderTalk CEO Patrick Eldon. “There is a gender imbalance in the computer programming and software development industries and in order to change that we need to encourage STEM studies and foster creative talent in girls at a young age.”
Girlstart’s mission is to increase girls’ interest and engagement in STEM through innovative, nationally-recognized informal STEM education programs. orderTalk’s donation will fund two weekly Girlstart STEM after-school programs in Texas at high-need elementary schools in Grand Prairie and Irving. Each week clubs of 25 fourth and fifth grade girls will meet for an hour of hands-on STEM activities that align with their school curriculum. Last year, the after school program reached more than 1,500 girls.
“This is an exciting partnership for orderTalk. Girlstart is making a difference in the lives of many young girls and we are proud to contribute to something so powerful,” noted Eldon.
Recent surveys indicate that while girls show an increased interest in STEM subjects at age 11, they begin to lose interest in these same subjects between the ages of 13 and 17 years of age. In addition, research has shown that the Girlstart after school program has a significant impact on participants’ academic progress and participants also enroll in advanced and pre-AP math, science, and STEM electives at a higher rate than their non-participant peers.
“About 74 percent of young girls express interest in STEM fields and computer science, however looking at the technology industry today, those numbers don’t add up,” said Girlstart Deputy Director Julie Shannan. “We can’t continue to ignore the fact that although the technology industry is growing rapidly, there is an obvious imbalance of females with technology-related careers. Girlstart programs strive to even out this difference by encouraging girls early on in their educational path.”
In addition to the Grand Prairie and Irving donations, orderTalk provided an additional $3,000 in funding to various in-need Girlstart summer camps across the U.S.
About orderTalk
orderTalk, Inc. is the original provider of online ordering systems for restaurants worldwide offering expedient, dependable and secure online ordering software solutions. Since 1998, the company has utilized proprietary remote ordering software as well as mobile and social media applications to meet the expanding needs of the restaurant industry. orderTalk’s sophisticated food ordering systems and software solutions are designed to leverage business growth through stronger sales, higher check averages, decreased overhead costs and a higher customer satisfaction level. For more information, visit www.orderTalk.com.
About Girlstart
Girlstart, founded in Austin in 1997, is the only community-based informal STEM education nonprofit in the nation specifically dedicated to empowering and equipping girls in STEM, through year-round programming that promotes girls’ early engagement and academic success in STEM, encourages girls' aspirations and persistence in STEM education and careers, and incubates a talented and diverse STEM workforce. Its innovative, nationally-recognized programs include after-school and summer camps for students, professional development for teachers, and community and online STEM education outreach programs. Girlstart cultivates a culture where risk is rewarded, curiosity is encouraged, and creativity is expected. As a result, Girlstart girls are connected, brave, and resilient. Girlstart makes girls more successful, and inspires them to take on the world’s greatest challenges.
