Friday, Jun 17, 2016
Local startup Empower With Code (EWC) begins their four-week summer program Saturday June 18, 2016.
New local startup Empower With Code starts their first summer program session June 18, at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), from 9:30AM until 12PM, and session 2 begins at 2:00PM until 4:30PM.
EWC has accomplished their enrollment goal of filling up both sessions for the entire summer program.
Additionally, EWC will be announcing upcoming events geared towards the EWC Girls Club.
EWC is an all-volunteer-run startup corporation. Their mission is to encourage children and youth between the ages of 7 to 18, with a focus on girls, in Kern County to explore the world of computer science by motivating them to consider pursuing a career in this area after graduating 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. The summer program will be led by a team of Computer Science students from CSUB.
Another goal of EWC 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
