Compudopt Women in Tech Event Delivered Exciting, Hands-on Tech Experience for Middle School Girls in Houston.
Compudopt hosted their annual Women in Tech Workshop for middle school girls at The Ion in Houston. 76 students and 40 volunteers participated in the event on Saturday, November 12, 2022 that provided a hands-on opportunity to explore technology, the world of virtual reality,
robotics, gaming, and more.
To start the day, participants enjoyed demo stations of virtual reality, take pictures in the photobooth, fly drones, and interact with various gaming systems. The morning was
highlighted by guest speaker, Sharon Caples McDougle. Sharon is a modern-day hidden figure who designed the NASA space suit and is known for suiting up the first African-American woman to go to space. She gave an inspiring speech on perseverance and finding
your passion despite the challenges that come your way.
The main event of the day was the group programming led by Compudopt trainers where students designed and built their own games. Students used Arduinos, Makey Makeys, breadboards, coding, and critical thinking to make a working project. Students then got an opportunity to speak with their mentors and ask questions about what it is like to be a woman in the STEM field.
The day concluded not only with raffle prizes for lucky winners, but every participant received a backpack stuffed with a free laptop to take home!
The impact of the event:
85% of students said they are interested in careers in the STEM field
98% of students said what they learned will help them in the future.
Participants said that the best things about the event were:
"Taking pictures with my friends and meeting my partner, she is so smart."
"Getting to learn about Sharon McDougle and what happened in her life."
"Playing games and making the project.
I got to dance, have snacks, try stuff on, and I got free stuff."
"Meeting new people, trying new things, and hanging out with my friends."
"The project and everything about today."
"Meeting all the mentors. They were funny and helpful and patient with
us when we messed up. I learned a lot and I am glad I came."
This is what students said about the trainers and the mentors:
"Were so cool and fun, they're the best!"
"Smiled a lot and helped when you did not know what to do."
"Were cool, friendly, and helpful."
"Are good people that I would definitely want to meet again."
"Were really nice and helpful and fun. I would like to see them again."
"Were very funny and had interesting stories."
"Were amazing, kind, and helpful. So glad I met them."
"Were really nice and made learning easy."
Thank you to our event sponsors:
- STEM Track Sponsor: Southwestern Energy
- Program Track Sponsor: Osha, Bergman, Watanbe and Burton
- Swag Bag Sponsor: alliantgroup
- T-shirt Sponsor: LyondellBassell
- Photo Booth Sponsor: Whataburger
