Girls in Tech — in partnership with Technovation
The Girls in Tech program, in partnership with Technovation, provides a dynamic learning opportunity for young girls to explore the world of technology, coding, and entrepreneurship. Through the App Inventor Mobile App Development Program, participants will gain hands-on experience in developing mobile apps that tackle real-world challenges. This course is designed to empower girls with the technical skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to innovate and succeed in today’s digital world.
Course Objectives:
- Master App Inventor FundamentalsIntroduce participants to the App Inventor interface, components palette, and event-driven programming model.Build confidence in arranging blocks, creating screens, and managing data within the mobile app environment.
- Develop Problem-Solving SkillsApply design thinking to identify real-world problems and ideate app-based solutions.Break down complex challenges into manageable programming tasks.
- Cultivate Entrepreneurial ThinkingExplore the basics of lean startup methodology: market research, value proposition, and user feedback loops.Pitch app ideas, draft simple business models, and iterate based on peer review.
- Boost Self-Confidence and CollaborationWork in small teams to foster communication, leadership, and mutual support.
Showcase prototypes in a friendly “demo day” format to build presentation skills and resilience.
Expected Outcomes:
- Technical ProficiencyBuild at least two functional mobile apps in App Inventor—one solo project and one collaborative project—demonstrating navigation, data storage, user input/output, and basic logic.
- Problem-Solving AcumenConfidently use flowcharts and pseudocode to map out app functionality before coding and debug effectively when blocks don’t behave as expected.
- Entrepreneurial BasicsPrepare a concise pitch deck for their favorite app idea, including target user profile, core features, and a basic monetization or impact plan.
- Elevated ConfidencePresent their work at a final “Technovation Prep Showcase,” articulating what they built, why it matters, and how they overcame challenges.
Course Structure & Summary:
This course is designed for aspiring Technovation participants, focusing on mobile app development through hands-on App Inventor workshops, design thinking exercises, and entrepreneurial sessions. Students will explore essential topics such as app design, debugging strategies, teamwork, and pitching their app ideas. By the end of the program, participants will have developed functional apps, a basic business model, and the confidence to showcase their work at the Technovation Prep Showcase.