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On Thursday July, 20, 2017 Microsoft hosted its 8th annual DigiGirlz Camp in partnership with the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (The Discovery) and other community organizations. Microsoft utilizes its DigiGirlz camp to continue its core effort to invest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for young women. Over 100 high school girls were in attendance for this two-day technology camp held at the University of Nevada, Reno. DigiGirlz aims to show these young women the importance of math and science in the working field of advanced technology.
The camp began with remarks from Owen Roberts, General Manager of Microsoft’s Americas Operations Center:
“I would encourage you to travel, read a lot, and watch documentaries on the developing world because that is where change is going to come. When you’re thinking about your career and when you are thinking about computer science, don’t just think about America and think: ‘It has all been done.’ There is a wide world out there that is nowhere near as advanced as America is today.”
“We are beyond grateful for Microsoft Reno’s generous gift to The Discovery,” said Mat Sinclair, President/CEO of The Discovery, “Microsoft’s donation makes it possible for us to continue providing learning opportunities to Northern Nevada youth in the realm of communications and computer technology.”
The topics covered during the two-day camp included: robotics; graphic design; coding; an environmental workshop; entrepreneurship; and college preparation. On day one students learned how to design their own website and explored new career paths within technology fields. On day two students were placed into teams to build and program robots. Once robots were programed to perform different objective challenges, each team competed in a Sumbot playoff competition! Students also conceptualized graphic design methods while crafting a button to take home.
Microsoft hosted two executive speakers, Vazjier Rosario, who shared her story in STEM, and Julie Arsenault, an Entrepreneur and business owner. The students were provided with the opportunity to engage in many STEM activities and demonstrations while networking with one another.
Microsoft has generously committed another $15,000 to sponsor The Discovery’s STEM Lab which was first sponsored in 2015. This funding will enable The Discovery to upgrade the museum’s Internet connection to fiber optic which will allow the museum to grow its Camp Discovery offerings in coding and technology such as a 3D printing or robotics camp.
As an informal education leader in Northern Nevada, The Discovery knows that technology enhanced field trips will help attract older youth and improve our community’s 21st Century skills. Upgrading to fiber optic will also help The Discovery collect on-site evaluation data from our audience through internet based survey instruments and therefore improve the work we do.
Do you want to know what’s next in The Discovery’s programming focused on computer science and communications technology? Then register for Best Buy’s Geek Squad Academy from August 26-27 for youth 10-18! Registration closes August 18th.