Empowering Nevada’s Girls through Coding Education- Mandating Coding Classes for Girls by 6th Grade
Dear Senator Rosen,
My name is Cameron Huang, and I’m juggling an interesting trio of roles: a senior at Clark High School, a nationally top-ranked golfer, and an impassioned advocate for Women in STEM. I have the privilege of serving as the President of NV Girls in STEM and also act as the founder, president, and ambassador for Women in STEM in Nevada.
You’re a legend in our circles!
Your dedication to the advancement of women in STEM has caught my attention and deeply resonates with the mission of our organization. From your roots in computer programming to co-founding the Women in STEM Caucus and your inspiring monthly newsletters featuring female STEM leaders, it’s clear we share the same vision.
Today, I’m writing to propose a state bill that is fun and impactful initiative: mandatory coding classes for all girls by the 6th grade. This is not just an educational reform—it’s a game-changer for our Nevada’s future.
The Coding Gap:
Did you know that less than 25% of high school girls in Nevada have taken a coding class? Despite women making up nearly half (47%) of the U.S. workforce, they hold just 26% of jobs in STEM fields. In computer science, it’s even drearier with women representing only 18% of graduates according to the National Center of Women In Technology (NCWIT). Imagine the unexploited potential we’re missing out on!
The tech industry is booming, with the rise of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and VR/AR, and jobs in this sector are growing at twice the rate of other fields. Yet, without early exposure to coding, many girls are left out of this exciting future. I believe that every girl should dream big and achieve those dreams.
Why Coding by 6th Grade?
- Fun and Engaging: Coding isn’t just for tech geeks—it’s like solving puzzles and playing games! When girls start young, they see coding as fun and creative, not intimidating.
- Boosting Confidence: Early coding education builds confidence. Girls learn that they can tackle complex problems and create amazing things from scratch. It’s empowering!
- Leveling the Playing Field: By introducing coding early, we ensure girls are not left behind. They get the same opportunities as boys to excel in STEM, leading to more balanced and diverse workplaces in the future.
The Proposal:
- Mandatory Coding Classes: Let’s make coding a core part of the curriculum by 6th grade for all students through engaging and fun projects, interactive lessons, and real-world applications.
- Teacher Training: Equip our teachers with the skills and resources they need to teach coding effectively. This means professional development, ongoing support, and access to the latest teaching tools.
- Tech Partnerships: Collaborate with local tech companies to provide mentorship, resources, scholarship, and exciting opportunities like coding camps and competitions. This bridges the gap between classroom learning and the real tech world.
- Community Engagement: Launch a campaign to raise awareness among parents and communities about the importance of coding education. Let’s make it a collective effort to support our girls in STEM.
Imagine a Nevada where every girl has the chance to become a tech innovator, a problem-solver, and a leader in her field. By passing this bill, we can be the girl STEM leader of the states. Let’s turn Nevada into a inspiration of opportunity and innovation for all.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I’m excited about the potential impact and am ready to collaborate to make it happen.
Warm regards,
Cameron Huang
President, Nevada Girls in STEM & NV Women in STEM