Rep. Sykes Hosts Girls in S.T.E.A.M. App Building Bootcamp
Event aims to connect middle school students with opportunities in the S.T.E.A.M. field
AKRON, OH — Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a Girls in S.T.E.A.M. App Building Bootcamp at Stark State 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. 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,” said Rep. Sykes.
The Girls in S.T.E.A.M. initiative, presented by Rep. Sykes, aims to enlighten and inspire girls and young women to pursue professions in science, technology, engineering, art, and math to solve real-world problems which will improve our 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, the President of Halle’s Engineering & Design, shared her journey to becoming an engineer and starting her own firm. Sam Appleby, the computer science teacher at NIHF STEM High School, taught the girls how to create their own apps.
“It was such a joy to speak with the girls about my career journey and careers in engineering. 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 STEAM fields,” said Halle Jones Capers, the President of Halle’s Engineering & Design.
“I was happy to join this event to encourage more girls to get into computer science. 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,” said Sam Appleby, computer science teacher at National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School