Organizations of the year
“App challenges are used as a gateway to expose girls to computer science and coding. YWCA is thrilled to have the support of these two wonderful organizations.”
– Deborah Perry, President/CEO of YWCA Rhode Island
YWCA Rhode Island sponsors The Fantastic Girltastic Code Company in partnership with Amica Mutual Insurance Co. and Bryant University. YWCA recognized them for their support in the development, creation and implementation of the App Challenge for middle school girls, on April 2 at Bryant University.
Twenty-seven girls ages 9 to 12 participated, many from the Paul Cuffee School. They worked together to identify a problem in their communities, thought creatively about how it could be solved using technology, created a storyboard prototype of a mobile application, and made presentations to a panel of judges. The were guided by mentors who included women working at Rhode Island companies such as Amica, Mojo Tech and Splatypus Web Design Studio, as well as professors from Bryant University and Rhode Island School of Design.
The girls worked in teams, presented their ideas to a panel of judges. Ideas ranged from an app to help you remember your homework to one designed to challenge gender stereotypes. The winner was an app which challenged gender stereotypes, “The Superwomen App”.
This app allows users to design their own superwoman. It also shares information about notable women in history, in their community, and throughout the world. The app would be available in the user’s native language and tailored to where they live. Motivational quotes and quizzes are also a feature in their prototype.
The Fantastic Girltastic Code Company is a program of the YWCA Rhode Island which is designed to make computer sciences “relevant, cool, hip and exciting in an effort to educate, inspire and equip girls to pursue careers in computer sciences.” Using this approach, girls will learn about code instruction, meet female role models and mentors, connect to colleges and universities, and access industry leaders.
Amica Mutual Insurance Co., the nation’s oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, based in Lincoln, is a national writer of auto, home, marine and umbrella insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,400 people in 44 offices across the country.
Bryant University is a leading private university offering an innovative business and liberal arts education. Founded in 1863, Bryant enrolls approximately 3,700 graduate and undergraduate students from 36 states and 72 countries. Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, College Factual/U.S.A. Today, and Bloomberg Businessweek.
