Students from AC – Arcus Ltd take part in an Envisions the future Girls in STEM A.I. Bootcamp #MicrosoftEdu #IamAlice #girlsinSTEM

At the end of August 2018 four girls took part in an international bootcamp in Greece, whose aim was to promote the interest of girls in technologies.

Iveta Ivanova, Teodora Tomova and Margarita Karaivanova from 10 a and their teacher in Computer Science and IT Gabriela Chotova took part in Envisions the future Girls in STEM A.I. Bootcamp. The event organized by Microsoft gathered 60 teachers and 160 girls from 22 Eastern European countries aged 15 to 17. Bulgaria was represented by 15 girls and 6 leaders from Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Stara Zagora, Razgrad, Parvomai and Elin Pelin. The participants underwent a preliminary selection and their aim was to record a video in English about Artificial Intelligence.

The 4-day Bootcamp gave the participants access to the latest technologies. The aim was to challenge the existing prejudices leading to the lower percentage of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). According to the organisers from Microsoft these should not exist, which is why girls should be encouraged to pursue careers in STEM.

During the 4 days both students and teachers were able to meet inspiring lectors and engage in many practical tasks. The first 3 days included work with Micro:bit, Lego Mindstorms, Minecraft, Paint 3D/Photos app, and the Making of ChatBot. The next days were a competition for the 210 participants, who were divided into teams. The first challenge was a Charity O’clock, in which every team had to make a closet, which will later be donated to an orphanage. Then all teams had to find different landmarks in Athens and information about them. The last day was on the beach. In the morning the teachers had the chance to solve 7 IT challenges. Then followed games promoting equal opportunities for men and women. The girls did archery, pulled a rope and demonstrated their dexterity and creativity. They all had fun and in the end the winners were announced. But the best award was the experience they all gained, the exchange of ideas and the lasting friendships.