Science for Success in Pittsburgh!

Earlier this week, I eagerly checked the package room in my dorm.  Two boxes had arrived from the Microsoft Corporation; it was swag for my Science for Success exhibition representing Microsoft YouthSpark at the Carnegie Science Center's Engineer Your Future Day (Feb. 21st). 

Science for Success, my initiative to encourage young girls to explore science, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) opportunities, and connect with mentors, began as my Girl Scout Gold Award project in 2011. Last year, I entered my project in the 2014 Global Microsoft YouthSpark Challenge for Change, and was selected as 1 of the 5 winners from an international pool of applicants from 50 countries! As a winner, I am receiving Microsoft funding to incorporate Microsoft technology while expanding my project. 

In the fall of 2014, I did an outreach program at a local high school in Pittsburgh, presenting to two computer science classes. I focused on providing students with an overview of careers in computer science and technology, exposing them to opportunities and resources designed to target increasing diversity in computer science available to them as high schoolers. On December 5th, I did a Science for Success presentation for another school in Pittsburgh. I shared my background in science and presented careers in STEM, as well as various opportunities in science, math and technology for students. 

Tomorrow, February 21, 2015,  I am excited to present at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center, hosting a Science for Success booth as part of Engineer the Future Day. The Science for Success booth is hosting "STEM Connection," providing information to students of how to engage in STEM opportunities in the Pittsburgh area or nationally. I have recruited friends to help with the booth, and our aim is to engage students, holding conversations to identify student interests to help match students with corresponding programs and opportunities, including camps, exhibitions, summer experiences, and internships. The booth will have flyers for students, including: "Fun Ideas and Ways to Explore Science in the Pittsburgh Area"; "STEM Programs and Resources: Middle School;" and "STEM Programs and Resources: High School." Science for Success is funded in part by Microsoft YouthSpark, and we will be highlighting free Microsoft STEM programs available to students, handing out YouthSpark swag.

I'm pumped for the event! 

I am also excited to announce that the 2015 Microsoft YouthSpark Challenge for Change opens February 25, and I encourage you to enter. Dream big in your ideas, and spark change! A 2-week trip and $2500 is at stake! Below I am pictured with the 4 other global winners: Sara (USA), Satya (India), Dominic (Philippines), myself, and Juan (Mexico) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. 
Read about our journey here and brainstorm ideas to begin your own adventure!