Reflecting on our inspiring tech adventure: g4g event at Google Brussels!
On June 12, 2024, Google Brussels became a place of inspiration and possibility for parents and their daughters as they embarked on an unforgettable journey into the future of technology. The event, organized by g4g in partnership with Google, aimed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for technology among young girls aged 10 to 15, as well as to educate the parents - all this while having fun! With a focus on inclusivity and empowerment, this unique event highlighted the vast opportunities that technology can offer.
A day of discovery and empowerment
The afternoon was carefully planned to ensure that both parents and daughters would leave with a renewed sense of excitement and confidence about the tech world. From 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., participants engaged in hands-on activities that were both fun and educational. The event was designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge of coding or technology. The key was to bring enthusiasm and an open mind!
Hands-on learning and creative exploration
The activities spanned a range of tech fields, including coding, artificial intelligence, and creative tech projects that blended art and science. This hands-on approach allowed the girls to see, touch, and experiment with technology in a supportive and encouraging environment. They were able to visualize the incredible possibilities that tech skills can unlock, sparking dreams of future careers in STEM fields.
Building confidence and community
One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the increase in parents' confidence to discuss computer science studies and careers with their daughters. Confidence levels rose by an impressive 34% from the beginning to the end of the event. This increase underscores the importance of creating spaces where parents can learn alongside their children and feel equipped to support their interests in STEM.
Positive feedback and lasting impact
The feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive. Many highlighted the value of sharing the experience with their daughters, emphasizing how it opened up new conversations about technology and career possibilities. Parents appreciated hearing from senior tech professionals, who served as inspiring role models for the young attendees. Comments such as "It opens up the possibility to talk about this subject with them" and "Having senior tech people share their experiences provides a good role model for young girls" reflected the day's impact.
Encouraging future tech leaders
The event also had a profound effect on the girls themselves. A staggering 92% of the girls expressed a desire to further build their computer science skills after the event. Additionally, their knowledge of computer science increased by 50%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the hands-on learning approach. The girls left with a powerful piece of advice for their peers: "Anything is possible."
Continuing the journey
At the conclusion of the day, participants received a certificate from Google and g4g, along with a treasure trove of resources to continue their tech journey at home. This ensures that the learning and inspiration don't end with the event but continue to grow as they explore the world of technology further.
A community united in support of girls in STEM
The event fostered a sense of community among like-minded parents and children, all united in their support of girls in STEM. By sharing experiences and building networks, attendees left not only with new knowledge but also with a community that encourages and supports their tech aspirations.
Thank you to everyone who made this day possible, from our dedicated team at g4g to our partners at Google, and most importantly, to the parents and daughters who joined us for this adventure. Together, we're building a brighter future in technology.