The Problem

Our initiative focuses on addressing the disparities faced by minority children as a result of systemic oppression. It is disheartening to note minority students are five times more likely than their white peers to attend high-poverty schools, perpetuating a problem with long-term consequences. Our goal is to promote diversity/inclusivity in the STEM field, with a specific emphasis on computer science, where women and minorities are drastically underrepresented.

As first-generation students, we have personally experienced a lack of support for innovation due to financial limitations. While opportunities exist for children,  not all of them cater to individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds. In the field of STEM, minority groups face a significant lack of representation in terms of role models and peers, making it challenging for them to envision themselves succeeding in STEM/tech careers. Furthermore, minority communities often encounter disparities in resources, funding, and opportunities, resulting in educational gaps that hinder their preparedness for pursuing STEM/tech careers. They may also confront a lack of support systems within educational institutions, or services, which further isolate them and impede their progress in STEM. 

Our mission is to establish a community that addresses the disparities in the tech industry and ensures that everyone has equal opportunity

Your Solution

Our program differs from traditional computer science education programs in that we prioritize hands-on projects that foster creativity and critical thinking skills. Rather than solely focusing on teaching the fundamentals, we encourage our students to apply their knowledge to real-world projects and hone their problem-solving abilities. For example, in a previous workshop we held in partnership with a high school, we allowed students to choose a project they were interested in and assisted as they coded. Our workshops for middle school students include projects such as role-playing games and website development, providing a space for creativity and mental stimulation.

In comparison to programs that only offer primary education, our program aims to offer a higher level of engagement and inspiration. By providing a collaborative space for all levels of programmers, including high school and undergraduate students. To work on software projects to build portfolios and prepare for future careers in the tech industry.

Our program aims to aid individuals from a young age and continue working with them as they develop their skills, increasing their chances of success by growing with them in complexity. We do this to better serve individuals that wish to be successful in the ever-growing competitive industry of the 21st-century workforce

Founding Story

As a first-generation woman in STEM, I am inspired by pioneers like NASA to pursue a career in computer science. But as a minority in the industry, I've faced unique challenges that have made me determined to create change. Seeing how the system often fails to support minorities and leaves a generation without the skills to succeed has resonated deeply with me. That's why I'm dedicated to breaking down barriers through my non-profit and empowering marginalized youth with the skills and resources they need to thrive in the 21st-century tech industry by addressing the issue here at home.

Your Impact

Currently, we are in talks with the University of Houston and Rice University's computer science department to organize summer programs that serve a scope of students in the Houston area. Additionally, we have created a curriculum that is being implemented at schools that lack computer science classes to encourage technological stimulation at a young age. We are also exploring endeavors with other organizations and development teams, to curate a new sector of service projects (ex. Creating a lost pet application, etc ). As the program continues we hope to have students begin development for service-focused software applications, projects that continue our mission of benefiting our local community. In the future, we aim to not only serve the younger community but create an environment for high schoolers, and under-grad students invested in computer science to have a collaborative space to create portfolio software together. Ultimately our initiative aims to foster a creative positive feedback loop between students and community service through computer science on all levels. We are continuing outreach to more students, present day we have reached approximately 1.2k students through our workshops and hybrid outreach programs. We have enabled students with leadership positions in programs within their communities as well as the tools to advance in the field of computer science.

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