CJUSD Students Get Hands-On Training in Computer Coding

Middle school and sixth grade girls, as well as students from Washington High School, learned about and practiced computer coding Friday, Oct. 16 at San Bernardino Valley College as part of the Classroom to Career: Developing Tomorrow’s Female Leaders initiative. This incredible event took place from 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. and was made possible through a partnership with the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio and San Bernardino Valley College. The program is funded by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. 50 CJUSD students participated in Friday’s program, which was one of three such sessions planned at Valley College. A total of 300 young women participated in one of the sessions – 150 of whom are from Colton. Participating CJUSD schools include: Jurupa Vista Elementary; Joe Baca, Ruth O. Harris, Colton and Terrace Hills Middle Schools; and Washington High School. “We are excited to partner with the Girl Scouts and San Bernardino Valley College to bring this outstanding opportunity to our students,” stated CJUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez. “This is a great example of our community working collaboratively to ensure that our students are not only college and career ready, but also excited about the many possibilities available to them." Last week’s program was part of an ongoing effort to boost female students’ exposure to and participation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Participants learned the basics of computer coding and then had an opportunity to practice themselves. They also participated in a discussion on computer science careers. Students also got to experience time on a college campus. “Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio is committed to introducing girls to STEM fields through our Classroom to Career programs, as well as other STEM events," noted Carrie Raleigh, Girl Scouts STEM Program Manager. “Women are underrepresented in the STEM fields and we hope to change this disparity in the Inland Empire by inspiring the next generation of female STEM professionals.” Women who are interested in participating in Classroom to Career or other STEM programs offered through the Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio can contact Knea Hawley at khawley@gssgc.org.