About the WiSci Curriculum and Participants

By Sara Bennett, program manager AOL Charitable Foundation

The WiSci Camp will bring together 120 talented girls from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and the United States. The girls were selected among a competitive pool of applicants from the networks of Girl Up and the African Leadership Academy, and were chosen for their demonstrated interest in the STEAM fields and record of leadership in their community. The participants will be able to share their experience to inspire other girls in their community upon return to their high schools in the fall.

The STEAM curriculum will be developed in partnership with science and technology industry leaders, Microsoft, Intel, and AOL. Girls will also have access to mentors from the participating partners and take part in leadership development activities and field trips within Rwanda.

The specially-curated program will feature hands-on experiential learning and a wide array of opportunities in the STEAM fields for the campers. The formal curriculum will be led by Microsoft and Intel employees and will include a week each on Computer Science, Robotics and Design, Art & Culture, with time during the third week to work on small group projects. The girls will hear from inspiring guest speakers and mentors, while participating in sessions on design-thinking, marketing, writing and leadership development curated and facilitated by Girl Up. The AOL Charitable Foundation will enhance the program's curriculum with expertise in technology, marketing and media training.