Rep. Sykes hosts girls in S.T.E.A.M. app-building bootcamp
AKRON — U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-District 13) Dec. 11 hosted a Girls in S.T.E.A.M. app-building bootcamp at Stark State College Akron. Girls from Ohio’s 13th Congressional District — from Nordonia to Canton — learned how to create their own apps and heard from a local engineering firm president about her career.
“When we empower girls to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math, we pave the way for innovation, diversity and a brighter future for us all,” said Sykes. “As a member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, one of my personal priorities is increasing diversity and representation in our S.T.E.A.M. workforce. That’s why I’m proud to host this event, so girls and young women in Ohio’s 13th District can learn more about computer science and maybe be inspired to become the scientists, engineers, doctors and software developers of the future.”
The Girls in S.T.E.A.M. initiative, presented by Sykes, aims to inspire girls and young women to pursue professions in science, technology, engineering, art and math, and to solve real-world problems which will improve communities. Girls in S.T.E.A.M. is open to middle school-aged girls from anywhere in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.
During the event, Halle Jones Capers, president of Halle’s Engineering and Design, shared her journey to becoming an engineer and starting her own firm.
“It was such a joy to speak with the girls about my career journey and careers in engineering,” said Capers. “Engineers use math and science to improve lives and our communities through our designs. I could see the intrigue and interest in their faces and hear it in their questions they posed to me after I spoke. I am so encouraged that this event has planted and watered seeds of interest in S.T.E.A.M. fields.”
Sam Appleby, the computer science teacher at National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School, taught the girls how to create their own apps.
“I was happy to join this event to encourage more girls to get into computer science,” said Appleby. “One thing I always tell my students is, ‘Time on task is very linear with success.’ I hope the girls who participated will feel inspired to keep learning about computer science and app building.”
By: Staff Writer
Source: Akron.com