Parents

We do not sell, share, or rent our email addresses to anyone outside of the Code Savvy or Technovation[MN].

If you have a girl interested in participating, please gather the support of a teacher at her school. We encourage you to visit the Resources for Girls

PROBLEM WE ARE TRYING TO SOLVE

Our primary goal is to give girls confidence in computer science and entrepreneurship. We provide girls with a safe all-girls community which helps them feel like they belong in the technical world. We provide a platform for girls to pair with professionals who can inspire and encourage them. Each year we host a technology development challenge where girls from all over the world compete to create the most innovative mobile app.

Girls are faced with numerous stereotypes about computer science. They picture programmers sitting alone, secluded, in a cubicle all day doing work that has little or no impact on the outside world. We try to counter these stereotypes by showing girls that computer science is a fun, creative, and collaborative process. Designing mobile apps is real and tangible for these girls because their phones are something they use every day. We want girls to understand the powerful role that technology can play in solving world problems.

We know that today’s teenage girls are the next generation of entrepreneurs, and teaching them to program multiplies their power in the marketplace. We’re working to close the gender gap in computer science by teaching girls how to code and how to be successful entrepreneurs. Through our program, we’ve learned that when girls get together with friends and have access to technology, their creativity and problem-solving skills expand exponentially.

As always, all Technovation[MN] events are free to participate in thanks to our gracious donors, sponsors, and corporate partners.

TECHNOVATION GIRLS

In Technovation Girls, girls work in teams to develop innovative mobile apps that solve problems in their local communities. Girls are supported by their school or community site, as well as mentors from the technology industry who teach them the basics of coding, user-interface design, market research, and entrepreneurship. The program culminates in a World Pitch event each spring, where regional finalists compete to win $10,000 in funding for their app.

APP DAYS

Learn to code mobile apps in an afternoon using free software called AppInventor. No advance knowledge is necessary; friendly mentors will help your child each step of the way. Pre-registration is required for this free App Day. This event is free, but you must register your child in advance to get a ticket to enter. It’s a great way to explore something new and see if they’d like to join a Technovation Girls team. Computers are available, but have your child bring a laptop if you have one and want them to download the (free) software to keep exploring. They can also bring a friend if you like, and have fun coding apps together!

PRIVACY

Privacy of the girls is very important to us and we go to great lengths to ensure our data is secure. Information will not be shared outside of Code Savvy. A photo release is offered during registration.

Girls, mentors, and teachers will need a Google Account in order to use MIT App Inventor. You may create your own Google Account, or your Google Account may be assigned to you by an administrator, such as your educational institution. If you are using a Google Account assigned to you by an administrator, different or additional terms may apply and your administrator may be able to access or disable your account.

To protect your Google Account, keep your password confidential. You are responsible for the activity that happens on or through your Google Account. Try not to reuse your Google Account password on third-party applications. If you learn of any unauthorized use of your password or Google Account, follow these instructions.

Google has also provided a Good To Know guide for staying safe and secure online.