11 Aug 2015 Girls Develop Apps at Camp
Twenty-two girls from seventh grade to high school seniors learned how to make mobile applications last week at KC Power Source’s Girls App Camp. The camp was presented by KC STEM Alliance and hosted by the KC Engineering Zone at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Computing and Engineering.
During the week-long camp, girls learned the basics of development, created applications and made their own apps for Android platform cell phones using MIT App Inventor software.
“The goal of the camp was to show them there are women in STEM fields and there are a lot of opportunities in STEM careers,” said Gretchen Neis of KC STEM Alliance. “We wanted the girls to gain confidence and empower them to pursue a career in the STEM field if they are interested. We had a very successful camp.”
Kaylan Johnson, 14, was excited about App Camp.
“It’s so much fun. I’m learning so much.”
At the end of the week, the girls presented their applications to families, community leaders and a panel of judges, which included local women in STEM careers. Apps created by the girls were Personal Stylist, TV Guide, Lifestyle, My Medical Records Pro, Joes R US, Digital Planner and Roll.
Partners for the Girls App Camp were Black and Veatch, Burns and McDonnell, Cerner, DST Systems, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Garmin, Google Fiber and Honeywell.
