Q: What is Girls in Engineering?
Girls in Engineering is a 5-day, non-residential program at UC Santa Cruz and has a girl-focused learning environment designed to broaden interest in computer science and engineering through fun, hands-on projects. The camp's hands-on activities include using the Scratch programming environment to create 2D games and animations, programming Sphero robots using smartphones, and using Lego-NXT to build microprocessor based robots and interactive art pieces, among other things. Their week will include tours of the Baskin School of Engineering labs from Bio-engineering to Digital Games. The program enables young minds to imagine themselves as future computer scientists and engineers, and encourages achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Q: When is the program?
Summer 2023, three week sessions (Monday-Friday) from July 8th through July 26th.
Q: Who is eligible to apply to Girls in Engineering?
Girls in Engineering is a girl-focused learning environment. Middle School female/identified students in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties (Middle School = 6th/rising 7th; 7th/rising 8th; 8th/rising 9th graders) eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students currently enrolled in Algebra I or grade level Common Core math.
Q: How do I apply to Girls in Engineering?
Applications are available online at gie.soe.ucsc.edu. There is also a paper application (en Español) form available. Students also need to get one recommendation from a math or science teacher. The completed electronic application, along with teacher recommendations, are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots in the program are filled. If you choose to use the printed application, you can mail it to the address listed on the application or scan it and email it to 'girlsine@ucsc.edu'.
Q: What is the selection process?
Admission is based on academic achievement in mathematics, a teacher recommendation, and interest and motivation to learn about computer science and engineering as demonstrated in the student’s Statement of Interest in the application. Admission is competitive; 24 students will be accepted into each of the four sessions.
Q: How much does it cost to attend Girls in Engineering?
There is no application fee or cost to attend the program. As indicated above, free bus transportation will be provided from the Salinas/Watsonville area. Bus schedule and stop locations will be decided after application closes, and attendees will be notified.