Tech-Girls at Startup Weekend EDU
Kim pitched an idea for a video game designed to help expand the STEM job preparedness pipeline by sparking girls interest in computing at the April 2013 Charlottesville's StartupWeekendEDU event. She was joined by Ke Cheng, 2nd year CS student at UVa, Lynne Crotts, school principal of 12 years and Nate Szejniukis, gaming expert who worked for the next 54 hours to create a prototype, research educational impact, validate with customers and build a business model. On Sunday night, the judges - Jim Cheng, VA Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Nick Schiavi, Blackboard, Inc. and Otavio Freire, CTO, OpenQ awarded the Tech Girl project 2nd place!
The initial experience is geared toward 9 to 12 year old girls in a story-based online game that will guide the player through a customized, interactive storyline based on her current interests. The player will take a brief historical journey through their field of interest and learn about female role models who have made an impact there. The story will culminate in an interactive challenge that introduces a computer science concept to help solve a problem in the field. The website will also provide a community experience where girls can connect with each other and mentors to learn and create together online.
On the back end of this online experience will be local resources for parents and educators to help girls take the next step in pursuing their interest in computer science. We will offer curriculum resources, hands-on workshops, access to mentors, internships, and partnerships with tech companies geared towards helping girls learn and grow their experience with computer science.
The initial experience is geared toward 9 to 12 year old girls in a story-based online game that will guide the player through a customized, interactive storyline based on her current interests. The player will take a brief historical journey through their field of interest and learn about female role models who have made an impact there. The story will culminate in an interactive challenge that introduces a computer science concept to help solve a problem in the field. The website will also provide a community experience where girls can connect with each other and mentors to learn and create together online.
On the back end of this online experience will be local resources for parents and educators to help girls take the next step in pursuing their interest in computer science. We will offer curriculum resources, hands-on workshops, access to mentors, internships, and partnerships with tech companies geared towards helping girls learn and grow their experience with computer science.
