On Friday, Google and local leaders paid a visit to AMC Camp Creek 14 to host a Made with Code coding party and movie screening, where 40 girls from Douglas County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools coded an animated snowflake and watched a free screening of the Disney movie Mary Poppins Returns.
The students worked together with members of Google’s Made with Code team to learn basic coding skills and were able to use an introductory coding language to create their own “practically perfect” animated snowflake pattern with graphics from Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns.
Google’s Made with Code events were created to help young girls discover a passion for STEM and career opportunities in computer science.
“Today, most industries are fueled by technology, but there aren’t enough girls pursuing computer science. Their perspectives are left out of the conversation around STEM education, and we started the Made with Code initiative to help change that,” said Lilyn Hester, a Google spokesperson. “We want to inspire girls to see that code can help them pursue their interests and goals.”
Douglasville Mayor Rochelle Robinson and Douglas County Commission Chairwoman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones kicked-off the event with opening remarks and spoke to students about the importance of coding and STEM education.
“I am elated to once again to partner with Google as they continually give back to the communities in which they live, work and serve. It is my extreme honor to participate in developing young girls’ minds to think outside of the box as it relates to careers in science, math, engineering and technology,” City of Douglasville Mayor Rochelle Robinson. “I am a living example of succeeding in a career that has been traditionally dominated by men; I hope and pray that my presence can inspire these young girls and women to know that they can break glass ceilings and change the world towards a more peaceful and harmonious place…one girl at a time.”
“It is my distinct honor to partner with Google. Once again, they have set standards of giving back to a community which they provide services, philanthropic, initiatives for those who live, work and play in Douglas County. Moreover, I am extremely excited, but yet humbled to participate in developing young women with an emerging mindset to think far beyond the ordinary,” Douglas County Commission Chairwoman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones said. “I believe as you posture to embark upon such critical disciplines related to science, math, engineering, and technology your test will become a testimony to those who question your ability and you will exceed their expectations to lead in a world dominated primarily by men, which I have proven that girl power is real. I truly hope my words of inspiration will unlock the doors to your future success and allow to you to be the change that you see in the world, and I look forward to reading about you in this remarkable 21st century.”
Made with Code includes:
● Blockly-based coding projects like learning to create animated GIFs or building beats for a music track.
● Video profiles of girls and women who explain how they’re using code to do what they love — in fashion, music, dance, animation, cancer research and more.
● A resource directory for parents and girls to find more information about new local events, camps, classes and clubs.
● Collaborations with organizations like Girl Scouts of the USA, Girlstart, and Girls, Inc. to introduce Made with Code to girls in their networks, encouraging them to complete their first coding experience.
