ConocoPhillips Expanded Tech Outreach Since 2018
The Girls Talk Tech initiative aims to widen the talent pool for future IT-dependent roles.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Internships
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Since its 2018 inception, the ConocoPhillips Girls Talk Tech program has reached 7,000 students across global locations including Houston and Calgary. The initiative provides no-cost STEM education to middle and high school students to address gender representation gaps in technology careers.
Why it matters
With women holding only 26% of U.S. IT roles, companies are increasingly building early-stage talent pipelines to meet the needs of an AI-driven economy. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic interest and long-term professional placement in technical fields.
The program has engaged 7,000 students since 2018, supported by 150 volunteers and 20 global committee members. This effort addresses a wider industry benchmark where women currently occupy 26% of U.S. professional IT roles.
The players
ConocoPhillips
An international energy company that manages large-scale exploration and production operations.
Billy-Joe Lafortune
A co-sponsor of the Girls Talk Tech program who received the 2026 Super Global ORBIE award for leadership.
The details
The program operates through multi-day events where volunteers share career journeys and lead hands-on technology sessions. By providing these experiences at no cost, the initiative lowers barriers to entry for middle and high school students. The pipeline effect is evidenced by program alumni who have transitioned into professional roles, such as cybersecurity analysts within the parent firm.
Timeline
The Girls Talk Tech program was formalized in 2018.
Billy-Joe Lafortune became a program co-sponsor in 2019.
Billy-Joe Lafortune received the 2026 Super Global ORBIE award in April 2026.
This report was published in September 2026.
Market Landscape
This program aligns with institutional trends where large corporations create proprietary talent pipelines to secure specialized labor. It follows the pattern of industry-led STEM initiatives designed to increase diversity in technical workforce sectors like cybersecurity.
Operators should evaluate whether formalizing volunteer-led career outreach can help mitigate long-term recruitment costs in technical departments. Monitoring the transition of participants into internal roles provides a metric for the efficacy of these outreach investments.
The takeaway
Building a direct pipeline from secondary education into professional cybersecurity or technical roles requires sustained, multi-year engagement from internal staff. Consider tracking the ratio of program participants who move into local internship or entry-level positions to measure ROI.
Further reading
For broader trends in industry-led student development programs, see our Internships coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CIO.
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