To these girls, the FEMME Program and others like it hold out a promise — a promise that through academic preparation, skill, hard work and a degree of fearlessness, they, too, will reap the rewards of the so-called new economy.

Yes, girls. You, too, can follow the money. Women in information technology already earn nearly 60 percent more than women in other occupations. There are also bonuses, profit sharing, stock options, fully paid benefits, copious vacation leaves and a warren of on-site playrooms to consider.

Just a few years ago, the Arlington, Va.-based Information Technology Association of America predicted that half of more than 1.6 million IT job openings would remain unfilled. As it stands now, 75 percent of all e-commerce projects are under staffed and under skilled, resulting in 90 percent of those projects finishing late and over budget.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 95 percent job growth for computer software engineers this decade. Career opportunities for biomedical engineers are expected to increase by 31 percent over the same period.

And in the aftermath of 9-11, human resource managers have come to realize that staffing problems will not be solved solely by bringing in foreign workers. And, yes, there is room in America for foreign workers. And, there is room in America for immigrants of all races, nationalities and religions.

Given the dire need for intellectual capital, one would think that the world would be awaiting our young FEMME Program graduates with open arms. Think again.