116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Girls Who Code
They’re lighting up Cedar Rapids using tech, collaboration
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The NewBo District will be shining brighter this holiday season, thanks to the coding talents of the Girls Who Code Club powered by The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo).
Club members are spending 10 weeks designing, programming and installing LED light displays for several district businesses.
The work was undertaken in collaboration with The District: Czech Village and New Bohemia, and with the support of Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems.
"Our students are getting real-world experience in several areas of this project," said Melissa Silver, NewBoCo’s community programs manager and mentor with Girls Who Code.
"They are meeting with businesses, conducting customer discovery, creating a product using technology, and gathering together in the community with their friends and family to celebrate the light displays.”
Through this project, students also built problem-solving skills, collaborated with their peers and created a visible impact in the community.
“We want the Cedar Rapids community to see the students as an investment in workforce, economic, and community development,” Silver said.
As for the students, it’s been a great experience.
“Being part of Girls Who Code has greatly inspired me by opening up a whole new world of occupations and hobbies that I might want to do in the future,“ Ariana Rodriguez said. ”It also has inspired me that great things can only happen as long as you take your time.”
Silver said the collaboration with The District and area businesses helps reinforce the importance of tech education in today’s world, not just for the students but also for the businesses involved.
"We would love to see this program grow, and, with that, we want more businesses and students to participate," Silver said. "We want them to see themselves doing this work now and in the future, growing into leaders, and creating meaningful partnerships in our community.”
Collins Aerospace, a key sponsor of the program, shares the enthusiasm.
"Collins Aerospace is really excited to show support for STEM and diversity engagements within our local communities," a spokesperson said. “Organizations like NewBoCo and programs like Girls Who Code are a big part of bringing these skills and future career opportunities directly to young students.”
Showcase
As NewBoCo celebrates its 10th year, Silver envisions a future where programs like Girls Who Code continue to grow and impact the Cedar Rapids tech ecosystem.
“We hope many of our students want to stay in Cedar Rapids,” she said. “We want our students to be leaders in a robust tech and business ecosystem that has been nurtured by NewBoCo."
The Girls Who Code Club will showcase their lights project from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 23 during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Their light displays will be at Lu’s Deli, Crosby’s, Raygun, Hangry Lady, Mode, CSPS, Parlor City and Almost Famous Popcorn.
Jessica Abdoney is marketing and communications coordinator at NewBoCo. Comments: jessica.abdoney@newbo.co
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