Jenny You, a third-year computer science major at the University of Rhode Island, is one of 11 students in the International Game Technology Scholarships for Women in Computer Science.
“[The program is] a way for women to immerse themselves in computer science as well as have a space to meet other women in CS,” You said.
Launched in 2022 by Rachel Barber, ‘91 and Bob Vincent, ‘75, the scholarship program aims to help female computer science majors find a place within their major’s community, according to Barber.
The scholarship funded its first cohort of students after the program’s creation and has since allowed its recipients to form connections in the computer science field and participate in experiences unique to the major.
You works as a computer science teacher’s assistant and will be working as a software engineer intern at Microsoft in summer 2025, she said.
The goal of this scholarship is to increase the number of women in the computer science field and help them build connections, and the Grace Hopper Conference was one such experience, You said. The conference allowed the IGT cohort to meet new people, get to know others in the field and attend workshops and career fair presentations.
IGT hosts outreach programs where they talk to high school and elementary students about the computer science program specifically at URI, according to You. These experiences help familiarize younger generations with computer science.
A key goal of the IGT scholarship was to establish a group of students and support them both financially and experientially, according to Barber. It enabled IGT to give them access to the corporate world and prepare to enter it.
As the chief technology officer for lottery and gaming at IGT, Barber has been an employee for over 30 years and was inspired by her own journey to create a more united community of women in computer science, she said. She worked closely with Vincent, who was a part of the Harrington School of Communication and Media, to ensure that the Harrington school received donations as well.
“I really loved the coursework and the professors at URI,” Barber said. “I felt very alone with regard to the fact that I was one of few women in my class.”
IGT employs hundreds of computer science majors with 10,500 employees around the world, according to their website . Barber’s idea to fund women going into the field was met with support from those at IGT, who were able to help build the scholarship.
“We found that this was a great group of women who have really stuck together through this and it’s so good to see, because I remember how important it is to have those friends to study with and ask questions to and I love seeing them band together and support each other,” Barber said.
In the two years that the scholarship has been running, it has been a success, according to Barber.
“Witnessing their [the students’] passion for technology and personal growth reaffirms the importance of investing in the next generation of female computer scientists and leaders,” Barber said.
The scholarship will continue funding the first cohort of students throughout their journey at URI, according to Barber. Students are awarded $2,500 in their first year, and a $5,000 tuition scholarship for three subsequent years, according to the scholarship website .
Over the course of the next couple years, Barber has hopes of a new cohort being formed, however nothing has been confirmed.