CMS girls won first place!
This past Saturday marked a transformative event for Carver students, thanks to the incredible efforts of Dr. Barnett, a dedicated Technovation Girls Ambassador. Dr. Barnett, through her organization Amazing Girls Science, collaborated with Technovation Girls to create an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impact on the young participants and their community.
Dr. Barnett’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her outstanding work was highlighted in CBS TV's "Fulfilling the Dream" program, which aired during a Martin Luther King celebration. Furthermore, she has been honored by the Connecticut Technology Council with the Community Innovation & Leadership Award and received the inaugural AARP Purpose Prize for her exceptional efforts in promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education among girls.
As a Technovation Girls ambassador, Dr. Barnett secured funding to enhance the celebration with t-shirts, signage, and a professional photographer, ensuring the day was as memorable as possible. The Richard Whitcomb Gymnasium at The Carver Community Center was abuzz with excitement as teams from Norwalk’s elementary schools presented their innovative projects to a panel of judges.
The STEAM competition saw three official judges evaluating the projects. Concord Magnet School's team clinched First Place and a $100 prize with their cutting-edge app that showcased remarkable creativity and technical skills. Second Place and $50 went to the Fox Run Elementary School “Sunshine Girls.” The Third Place was a tie, with Kendal College and Career Academy and Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School both winning $25 for their innovative solutions.
Parents beamed with pride as they captured moments of their daughters presenting their apps, celebrating the culmination of weeks of hard work. These young technologists dedicated over 40 hours to their projects over at least 12 weeks, following a detailed curriculum that honed their technological, collaborative, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The experience was transformative not only for the girls but also for the adult volunteers who mentored and guided them, finding the journey equally enriching and gaining new perspectives.
Technovation Girls is more than a competition; it’s a global movement that has empowered 150,000 young women over the past 15 years to become technology entrepreneurs and community leaders. Many alumni, long after participating, credit the program for shaping their career paths and professional interests. Local Chapters and Clubs, led by experienced Technovation alumnae, play a crucial role in providing a supportive environment for these young innovators, fostering collaboration, and ensuring they have the resources to succeed.
The Carver Community Center is excited to continue its partnership with Technovation Girls, inspiring more young women to harness the power of technology for positive change. As these girls look to the future, they do so with confidence and the skills to build a better world, one innovative solution at a time. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators.
