Generation next: Training girls to be tech-savvy

>>> and finally on this monday night, a woman who saw a problem and created a solution that's making a real difference for teenage girls . young women who have the desire to learn about one of the fastest growing fields and a great route to jobs, but don't always have access to the tools they need. in tonight's "education nation" report, kristen welker has a report on a good idea that's closing a gap.

>> two minutes.

>> reporter: this isn't your typical computer science class. this is compugirls. a two-year program to teach teens of color skills like programming, podcasting, and even how to build computer games .

>> the field of science and engineering is very intimidating for females.

>> reporter: this 16-year-old used to be intimidated, too, but then compugirls changed everything.

>> before the program, i haven't touched a mac intosh, and now i know i can be something in life.

>> maybe you'll create a magazine.

>> reporter: dr. kimberly scott started compugirls in 2007 . her goal, to increase women in science , technology, and math. so far, the program has reached 200.

>> technology is becoming more and more important in terms of whatever occupation an individual chooses to pursue.

>> reporter: but it's an uphill battle. recent studies show more than three four tth of those earning bachelors degree in those fields are men. the compugirls also participate in internships at big companies like intel. professional exposure that is teaching genie the sky is the limit.

>> i would like to be one of those women in the technology field in the future.

>> reporter: recent graduate ciraw tyler is already putting her computer skills into practice. small businesses are asking her for help.

>> they're asking me to make websites for them, help get rid of viruses.

>> a program just for girls that is creating a new generation of tech-savvy women. kristen welker, nbc news, phoenix.