EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Women have been historically underrepresented in computer science. According to Computerscience.org, only 20% of computer science professionals are women. To help address the gender gap in this field, Eastern Michigan University is hosting the first Gigabytes summer computing camp for high school girls to focus on strategies aimed at attracting and encouraging young girls to pursue computer science education. The Gigabytes all-day, week-long summer program will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 17 through July 21 located on Eastern’s campus. 

Eastern Michigan University Computer Science Professor and program director Krish Narayanan, said the camp is aimed at educating high school girls that computer science can be a possible field of choice in the future. “The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for girls to explore technology and interact with staff who are knowledgeable to answer their questions about the field,” said Narayanan. 

The program will use robot-based programming in order to teach girls how to problem-solve. Participants will be introduced to computing by programming robots and drones to perform certain tasks. Attendees will have the opportunity to use Ozobots, LEGO robots, and education drones at the camp. Additionally, coding is introduced to participants through educational robots with the support of student mentors.

As an engaging and interactive camp, Gigabytes strives to open the possibilities for high school girls going into computer science. “Seeing more young girls become interested in the field of computer science and technology is always a fulfilling sight to see,” said Narayanan. 

Gigabytes will conclude with a mock hackathon and a career discovery event. The camp is sponsored by the NASA’s Michigan Space Grant Consortium.

The camp is open to high school girls in Washtenaw County. The registration fee is $25. For more information or to register, visit Gigabytes 2023 Registration or contact Krish Narayanan at knarayanan@emich.edu.
 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.