The series of three workshops marks the first collaboration between the Bronx and Brooklyn Gigabit Centers, in partnership with LinkNYC and the NYC Office of Technology & Innovation
Participating Girl Scouts will learn fundamental robotics, coding, and game and app development skills — plus important online safety tips — to earn their ‘Digital Badge’
NEW YORK, NY – LinkNYC, the public-private partnership that created the largest free public Wi-Fi network in the world, today announced it will partner with Digital Girl, Inc. and the Girl Scouts of Greater New York to host a series of workshops that empower Girl Scouts from various troops to pursue careers in STEM. The events will familiarize young girls with the basics of app coding, game programming, and robotics, while exploring the concepts of exercising responsibility online and digital footprints on social media.
“Women are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields,” said Nicole Robinson-Etienne, LinkNYC’s Senior Director of External Affairs. “Together with Digital Girl, LinkNYC is closing this gap, sparking a passion for tech among young girls in New York, and empowering them to pursue rewarding careers in future-focused industries.”
The first workshop will take place at the Bronx Gigabit Center on March 22, followed by two additional events at LinkNYC’s Brooklyn Gigabit Center on April 5 and April 19.
“Early experiences with the practical applications of STEM concepts builds girls’ confidence at a young age to break into the tech industry as they get older,” said Michelle Gall, Founder and Executive Director of Digital Girl, Inc. “LinkNYC’s support has been crucial as we strive to empower and uplift our youth through engaging, hands-on learning.”
“Our mission is to build a New York City where every Girl Scout feels empowered to lead in their community, workplace, and the world,” said Karen Lundgard, Interim CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. “Thanks to LinkNYC and Digital Girl Inc., this series of workshops is helping level the playing field for more girls to pursue careers in STEM.”
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About LinkNYC
LinkNYC is the world’s largest and fastest free public Wi-Fi network. Each Link kiosk provides free superfast Wi-Fi, phone calls, device charging, access to social services, and displays content such as real-time weather, transit info, public art, and local information. The city-wide network has more than 17 million Wi-Fi users and has connected more than 30 million free phone calls. All of LinkNYC’s services are completely free to users and taxpayers, provided by CityBridge, a joint venture led by Intersection Media and Boldyn Networks. The second generation offering will deploy thousands of new kiosks, called Link5G, enabled with 5G wireless technology across the city. For more information about LinkNYC or to find a Link near you, visit www.link.nyc.