Late last year, Amazon announced plans to build a Hub in Nashville, bringing with it 5,000 high paying management and technology jobs.
A non-profit in Murfreesboro is trying to close the gender gap and get young girls interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or STEM.
Girls Who Code recently held a graduation and the young ladies are looking forward to one day working for Amazon or other technology companies. It’s one of the most in-demand job fields in the country.
“There are not a lot of women in technology,” said Girls Who Code facilitator Angela Cross. “So, what we’re doing is teaching girls computer science and computer technology skills to fill that gap.”
At the Technology Engagement Center in Murfreesboro, the young girls are part of the Girls Who Code class.
“We built animation in Scratch and we also worked on Thunkable, which is an application that helps us build apps,” Cross said.
Some of the girls built an app to help you stay organized.
“Using different features like tools including the calendar page, checklists, and reminders that can we send to your desk,” student Avery Stanley said.
Others were part of the group who developed an organization game.
“An organization bot, which is a robot and he gets trapped in this like tunnel and you need to answer questions about organization in order for him to get out,” Student Jessica Dreiling said.
The girls recently completed a 15-week class and received a certificate with family and friends cheering them on.
Cross is excited that Amazon is scheduled to build a hub in the Gulch area of Nashville, bringing with it 5,000 technology and management jobs with an average salary of $150,000.
“We want Amazon, Google, and those Tech Companies to diversify,” Cross said. “You know when you bring men and women to the table and you’re able to create innovative and creative solutions to all problems.”
Stanley is hoping to be an electrical engineer and is pleased to hear Amazon is investing in the future of Nashville.
“Just to know there are jobs out there for girls who want to experience something regarding technology or something like that,” Stanley said. “That’s encouraging.”
Girls Who Code will hold another 15-week class this spring or summer.
