Sunday, Jun 5, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: Rosario Ortiz,

Public Relations

rortiz@empowerwithcode.com

New Local Startup Corporation, Empower With Code, Launches Coding Summer Program for Youth

Open enrollment begins today as corporation inaugurates its website

BAKERSFIELD, CA (June 7, 2016) - Today, new local startup Empower With Code (EWC) is celebrating the launch of its website empowerwithcode.com, where children between the ages of 7 and 14 may be registered by a Parent or Guardian for a summer coding class.

There will be a $10 registration fee required to participate, and all class materials are provided by Google at no charge. Classes will be held once a week at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) between 9:30 AM and 12 PM for session 1 and 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM for session 2. Specific class schedule information is listed on the website.

Empower With Code is an all-volunteer-run startup corporation.  Their mission is to encourage children and youth between the ages of 7 to 18, especially girls, in Kern County to explore the world of computer science by motivating them to consider pursuing a career in this area once they graduate from high school. EWC has set a personal benchmark of 5% enrollment by 2016, 15% by 2017, and 20% by 2020 respectively. 

EWC also gives strong emphasis on their student internship program. The student internship program allows college students to take part in organizing events and setting up courses. Additionally, student interns are able to connect with business leaders in the community as part of EWC's "Path to Success" program. 

Another goal of Empower With Code is to provide local youth with more choices for summer and after-school programs at a minimal cost. EWC plans to offer these programs and classes, as well as field trips to companies such as Apple, Google, and Facebook, and a chance to participate at different science or computer coding clubs throughout the year. Curriculum for all classes has been put together by local engineers, developers, executives, and entrepreneurs. Classes will be taught by student interns and community volunteers.  

Projections by The U.S. Department of Labor show that by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computer specialist job openings, and to reach gender parity, women must fill half of these positions—700,000 computing jobs in 4 years.

According to a recent study, computer science is the only field in science, engineering and mathematics in which the number of women receiving bachelors degrees has decreased since 2002—Kern County graduates are no exceptions.

"Traditionally women don't seem to be encouraged to pursue careers in coding and science. But once given the opportunity, many of them become outstanding professionals in the field of science and technology. What we are trying to accomplish at EWC is to allow more girls and young women to learn what coding is all about, consider the potential of pursuing a career in this area, and eventually assist them every step of the way in getting a job in this field," says Rebeca Morfin-Manibo, founder of Empower With Code.

For questions regarding EWC, visit the website empowerwithcode.com 

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