Women Computer Science Mentors Wanted! 

This project is funded by the AT&T Aspire Foundation for urban girls entering Grades 7-12. The major

partners are the WNY STEM Hub, SUNY Buffalo State and Girl Scouts of WNY. Supporting partners

include Computers For Children, the Retired Science Teachers Association of WNY and Girl Develop It of

Buffalo.

 

The purpose of the program is to encourage urban girls, who often lack the same level of access and

social support systems to computer science learning, to explore their interest in a field significantly

under-represented by women. This initiative is part of the WNY STEM Hub’s campaign for “Computer

Science for All.”

 

The project will launch July 18 when 40 girls will begin a two-week camp experience on the campus of
SUNY Buffalo State at the new Technology Building that houses the Computer Information Science
Department. During this summer experience, girls will: 1) learn to apply basic coding skills, including
creation of digital storyboards, animated movies and learning games; 2) experience leadership and
creativity development using the Girl Scout curriculum; 3) meet real-world role models in coding who
can guide girls in understanding the work world in computer science.

 

At the end of the two-week experience (July 29), girls will identify shared interests to begin a team
coding project that contributes to their school, their girl scout troop or their community. They will also
develop a plan to lead other girls in exploring coding. Each girl who does not have access to a computer
at home will be provided one to keep at the end of the two-week experience.

The girls will meet with their coding mentor virtually and on 6 Saturday mornings from September
through early December in order to work in their teams and complete their projects. A Girls Success
Code Event will be held the morning of December 8 (National Computer Science Education Week) to
recognize girls, mentors and volunteers.

 

Why volunteer as a mentor?
You can make a difference in the lives of a team of urban girls who are exploring their budding interest
in computer science. Research shows that urban girls typically lack opportunity in computer science
learning and the benefit of role models in the field.

What will I do as a mentor?
You will be asked to: help guide the girls’ in developing their coding projects, encourage the girls to work
closely in contributing to their project team and to learn new skills in completing their project. By
modeling your enthusiasm for their projects and sharing information about your own world of work in
the field, you can provide significant inspiration to the girls.

 

Where will I mentor?
There will be a showcase event held on July 29 from 1-3PM at SUNY Buffalo State in the Computer
Information Systems Department at the Technology Building. The event will be followed by a 4-6PM
dinner for families and mentors. You are encouraged to meet the girls anytime that day or at the dinner.
The rooms where the girls are located are air-conditioned for the summer program. Follow up meetings
with girls will be held on 6 Saturdays at the same SUNY Buffalo State location and may involve field trips
to other sites. Mentors are encouraged to attend some or all of these Saturday sessions. Mentors are
also encouraged to meet virtually with the team of girls to which they are assigned through December 3,
2016.

When will I mentor?
The last day of the summer camp (anytime from 9AM to 6PM on July 29), is especially important if
mentors are available so that introductions can be made. When possible, mentors are also asked to stop
in to connect with their team for Saturday morning (10AM-Noon) sessions on: September 17, October
1, October 15, November 5, November 19 and December 3. You will be invited to a Girls Success Code
Program the morning of December 8, at which time you will be recognized for your mentoring work.

 

How do I sign-up?
Contact the Girl Scout Office and ask for Lauren Bush at 888-837-6410. She can assist you in completing
the volunteer application form and background check.

 

The WNY STEM Hub is a volunteer-driven incorporated non-profit with more than 600 individual members representing over 250
organizations in Western New York. It is an initiative of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and is affiliated with the national STEMx
network and the Empire State STEM Learning Network. Its aim is to create awareness and partnerships that serve learners of all ages in
accessing STEM/STEAM learning and careers. Further information can be found at: wnystem.org.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T
has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address
community needs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources
to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring. Through Aspire, we’ve passed the $250 million
mark on our plan to invest $350 million in education from 2008-2017.

 

About Girl Scouts of Western New York
Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) serves nearly 15,500 girls and 7,000 adult volunteers across the GSWNY jurisdiction, including
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The council’s administrative service
centers are located in Batavia, Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls, and Rochester. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence,
and character who make the world a better place. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls discover their personal best and
prepare for a positive future, connect with others in an increasingly diverse world and take action to solve problems and improve their
communities.

About SUNY Buffalo State
Buffalo State, a State University of New York (SUNY) campus located in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village, offers degrees in the arts, education, the
sciences, and professional studies. Each year, more than 10,000 students choose Buffalo State for its broad array of high-quality and
distinctive academic programs, diverse and creative environment, hands-on learning opportunities, affordable SUNY tuition, and location in
the heart of Buffalo’s cultural corridor.