A group of sixth-grade girls at Denkmann Elementary School had to choose a course they wanted to take. It's part of the LEAD program.
The LEAD program – Learn, Enrich And Discover – is aimed at developing creativity, promoting critical thinking, enhancing higher order thinking skills, preparing for college and career readiness and engaging students in hands-on-learning experiences.
The group of seven decided they wanted to pick something that would empower girls. They chose Girls Who Can Code. It’s a national program, whose goal is to close the gender employment difference in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like.
They got to work with professionals from the field. Kelly Burns is a Systems Administrator and Trish Ohland is a Senior Web Developer at Modern Woodmen of America.
Every Thursday for a semester, Kelly and Trish would go Denkmann to help the girls put together a website. On May 23, the girls got to present the website to their families and a group of employees from Modern Woodmen.
Their site is called Positive Vibes and the girls hope it will provide just that.
They hope the site will encourage girls and empower them to go after whatever they would like to do, even if it is something a male would typically do.
The students also hope anyone who has anxiety or is being bullied can use the site as a resource as a way to de-stress. On the site are inspirational quotes, songs, videos, and funny pictures.
"I made this website because we know other kids our age might have anxiety and may be nervous for a test the next day. Either way, we really do hope that this website helps you. So stay calm, relax, and always have positive vibes" said Kayla, one of the students who helped make the website.
