Intel Foundation Supports the First U.S. WiSci STEAM Camp for Middle School Girls

“One Intel” is not a bumper sticker, it’s not a slogan, it is action that exemplifies how we bring Intel employees, resources and technology together to solve real world problems. Last week, at the Women in Science (WiSci) STEAM Camp in Bend, Oregon – we did just that. The U.S. State Department, Intel , Girl Up, along with other partners, founded WiSci STEAM Camps in 2015. Over the past four years, we’ve supported camps in Rwanda, Peru, Malawi, Namibia and Georgia. This WiSci STEAM camp was the first of its kind in the U.S., and I’m so proud it was in Intel’s backyard with more than 50 middle school girls of diverse backgrounds from across the Pacific Northwest participating in this inaugural U.S. cohort.

During this week-long camp, I watched as these young girls, while hesitant at first, developed new friendships and leadership skills while persisting through relevant STEM competencies such as the ethics of artificial intelligence, teaching robotic cars to avoid bumping into walls, and programming drones to fly through hoops and flip over in midair. Intel employees delivered this exciting curriculum based on Intel® Future Skills, as the girls built confidence and developed technology skills to solve real problems such as homelessness, creating sustainable product packaging, and supporting gender equality. These girls will now join the global WiSci network, which has expanded to more than 600 girls and young women from over 27 countries.

What I found memorable was the passion the girls showed applying STEAM to global issues is the same passion many of us share at Intel. There’s no doubt critical young minds will help create the innovations of tomorrow. And with programs like WiSci, the Intel Foundation is committed to increasing access to technology for girls, particularly in underserved and diverse communities. We are so very proud to have launched this program and other initiatives that are helping inspire young women to pursue STEAM career paths. The possibilities are endless for these future innovators, change makers, and entrepreneurs. #WeAreIntel