BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Young girls are immersing themselves in the STEM world this week with the Girls Coding Project.
STEM stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics”.
The West New York STEM Hub has launched an annual event inviting young girls ages 8 to 18 to participate in a generally male dominated field.
“It’s really an expression of girl power,” says instructor Nina Ragland. “I think when you walk into a room, you can really see the energy and the level of engagement.”
Girls learn about robotics, coding and 3D printing design.
Another instructor, Charles Albutina, said, “It puts them in the field and gives them the confidence to improve.”
The event, held at Seneca One’s M&T Tech Academy, will show girls what the future looks like in STEM.
“If they think they’ve been coding all day in a drafty room, when they come in, [to Seneca One] They can walk around and see that programmers have great views, comfortable chairs and delicious lunches,” Ragland said.
The girls in the program were clearly passionate about STEM and math was a favorite subject for many.
“I like doing puzzles on the computer in my first rotation because it was fun,” said student Lana Corona. “We had to use technology, but we were also doing something fun.”
Students like 8-year-old Anya Braun have high hopes for a future in STEM fields.
“I want to be a doctor because I can help people,” said Brown. “Tell people what they are right and wrong and give them the medicine to cure them.”
The girls’ enthusiasm for STEM is undeniable.
“They are so excited and so genius,” Ragland said. “If we give them a little bit of information, they run away with it.”
The Girls Coding Project continues this week.
