Ms Kelseys Girls Who Code Scholarship
2 years ago, I spent the summer in NYC teaching a group of 20 girls with Girls Who Code. We spent 7 weeks together full time Monday - Friday. This was the best experience of my life because I got to share my love of coding with the most incredible girls from a variety of backgrounds. We had SO MUCH FUN. They learned 7 different programming languages and made final projects about things that matter: mental health, women’s rights, medical diagnosis, disability awareness.
I was able to take this opportunity because I had no college loan debts and I had savings that let me take the risk to go to a new, expensive city without a plan for what would happen afterwards. I was given an academic scholarship for college so I didn’t have to take out student loans, and my parents were able to help with my rent. I absolutely believe that these privileges gave me multitudes more options than many others. I had the freedom to follow my dreams - many don't.
I think about all the hurdles these girls are facing heading into their first year of college… in a pandemic, into a field of study where their identities are underrepresented and often unwelcomed, and with skyrocketing tuition costs. I want to give them one less thing to worry about so they are able to achieve their dreams and make their mark on the world too. During a time when everything feels hopeless, I’ve found that one of the few things that gives me joy is to help someone else.
I wasn't able to celebrate my 30th birthday this summer due to COVID-19. It’s been really sad for me and I wanted to do something positive for others rather than myself. I decided to start a scholarship fund for these amazing girls who will be studying Computer Science. I’ve had them apply and selected 8 of them to receive a scholarship gift. These are girls from varied backgrounds - Latina, Black, Brown, immigrant, Asian American.. Their lived experiences are so needed in the tech industry. I will be matching all donations to this page, with no limit.
I am not on Facebook, so if you are able please share this link to your Facebook feed - Encouraging $1 or $5 donations can go a long way! I will be notifying the students on Sept 1 of how much money is raised, and I greatly appreciate all donations and shares! This money will go directly to the girls for their tuition. Thank you everyone!!!
Hear from a few of the girls:
"The GirlsWhoCode Summer Immersion Program was an incredibly helpful program filled with hardworking, empowering, and intelligent girls who all have the potential to do great things in college and beyond. After showing our dedication to the program, I think we deserve some recognition for all we’ve accomplished. It’d mean a weight off my shoulders, and financial freedom, so that I can further dedicate my time to my education and focus on creating coding projects I’m passionate about. We will make you proud :)"
"Families are struggling to pay the rent or even afford the basic necessities. It would mean so much if you donate to this fund because so many of the girls in this program are so amazing and deserve to afford a college education. A college education is more important than ever before, and any little donation is going to ultimately make a big difference. Thank you so much!"
"My family was directly affected by COVID-19 . My parents were bedridden for weeks, unable to work during this time, both of my sisters got sick and one getting laid off. We lost some family and struggled quite a bit. However, despite recent events my family couldn't be prouder and more supportive of me going to college and pursuing a degree in something I love. Receiving scholarship money would mean so much to me, my family and my future."
“I want to have a chance against the world, to find something I am good at and potentially make a living off it. As my first year of college it would help me find out what it is I really want to do. I think my first year would also help me find something I can do part time involving game designing under the virtual reality side. “