JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – A Hollywood actress visited Jackson State University on Saturday with a mission to help young women pursue careers in computer science.
According to actress Malinda Williams, it’s a coding bootcamp for HBCUs called ESTEAM, which stands for Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Mathematics.
The goal is to get more girls motivated and prepared to pursue a career in computer science.
“Knowing that she took the time to teach herself to code during a time when society was facing so many challenges is empowering and inspiring,” JSU student Capri Burden said.
On Saturday, dozens of girls like Baden gathered in a science building at Jackson State University for some one-on-one time with the actress.
All students participated in a variety of coding activities and workshops, including app development, STEAM training, Apple programming languages, and even learned how to build their own website.
Williams also had the opportunity to share her knowledge and personal experiences in the industry with the students.
“Computers only get out what they put into them,” Williams said. “We need to have a say in the programming and the information that goes into the system so that what we experience is reflected in what comes out of the system.”
Williams said the four-week training is part of her non-profit foundation, Arise and Shine.
The program aims to help young women from HBCUs advance their careers in computer technology through hands-on experience, an industry that Baden says is being eroded by people like her.
“The statistics supporting Black women in the computer science industry so far are already low,” Burden said, “so to be able to be part of a program that’s trying to support that and push us forward to increase those numbers is something I’m very proud to be a part of.”
As well as receiving training, the young women also took part in sessions to boost their confidence and motivation, which Williams says is crucial.
“We’re giving them a foundation of confidence, we’re giving them love, we’re letting them know they’re valued and supported, and we’re letting them know that if there’s anything we can do to make their future brighter, they can walk into any room and own it. These are some of the concepts that we want to impart, instill, teach and demonstrate to our children.”
Williams said her time in the nation’s capital has been nothing but fantastic and she’s been privileged to work with such amazing students.
Want to receive more WLBT news? click here To subscribe to our newsletter.
Did you notice any spelling or grammar mistakes in the article? click here Please report it and include the headline of the article in your email.
Copyright 2024 WLBT. All rights reserved.
