Enticing women to computer science with es (Expose, engage, encourage, empower)

There is a shortage of women in computer science. An approach is needed to increase women and girls' interest in computer programming. To identify the best framework for both K-12 and higher education institutions to use to influence girls' view of Computer Science (CS), a thematic analysis of over 30 research papers and resources from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) website was conducted. Summarizing the different successful approaches taken by various researchers in increasing the number of girls and women studying CS and categorizing the approaches based on similar themes revealed that there are four common methods used to encourage girls to pursue CS. The Four Es model- Expose, Engage, Encourage and Empower-is derived from this analysis. The model can be used by institutions as a framework to increase women and girls' interest in studying and pursuing computer science careers.