Initially funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund, the ‘Are You Pink or Purple – Young Women in Technology’ project runs over three weeks with specific clinics to give the students an overview of the various programmes on offer should they wish to further their education by going to college. The key focus of the Programme is to introduce positive female role models to the participants who have opted to be original and engage in a career that is traditionally more male dominated. The second goal is to increase applications from females from local schools onto engineering and computing third level courses. ITB would also hope to encourage some levels of entrepreneurship so students may consider acquiring practical business skills as part of a PLC or third level course.    Louise Phelan Vice President, Global Operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa at PayPal said, "We are delighted to collaborate with the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown again this year on this event. While CAO figures show that numbers applying to technology courses are up this year, the trend for fewer numbers of female applicants continues. It is important that we impress upon young women that they have the option to pursue an exciting career in technology and by taking part in this event, I hope that they will consider technology courses at third level."

Orla Mc Mahon, ITB Lecturer said of the Project, “The “Are You Pink or Purple?” Project is an excellent way to introduce female students to the various technology courses available at ITB. The students had great fun creating cartoons and their own website in the workshops run at ITB. The project gives them hands on experience of web based technology and opens their minds to the multitude of career opportunities open to them afterwards.”