FAQ
Here are the Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ, about Girls Coding Academy:
PARENT FAQ
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ARE YOU HOSTING THE ACADEMY FACE-TO-FACE OR ONLINE?
We are hosting our academy VIRTUALLY this year. We have been preparing to teach online and believe that our kids need normalcy. Through our academy, they will continue to learn in summer, bond, and be exposed to Computer Science topics in a fun and safe environment together with their peers and a great team consisting of UH faculty members, coaches, and graduate/undergraduate students as mentors.
WHAT IS “GIRLS CODING ACADEMY”?
The Girls Coding Academy is created by CodeCougars team consisting of UH Faculty from the College of Education, College of Natural Science and Mathematics, and UH STEM Center. The main purpose of this innovative program is to promote and teach computer science (CS) topics, especially coding, to girls in middle and high schools.
The Girls Coding Academy teaches the following subjects:
The Middle School Academy (Grades 6-8)
-Game Design and Development (Scratch & Roblox Studio)
-Introduction to Python Programming Language
-Web Development/HTML/CSS
The High School Academy (Grades 9-12)
-Python Programming Language
-Game Design and Development (Construct 3)
WHO IS ORGANIZING THIS ACADEMY?
Girls Coding Academy is hosted by UH STEM Center and the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at the College of Education at the University of Houston.
WHO IS THE SUMMER ACADEMY FOR, AND WHAT ARE THE GRADE LEVELS?
We believe in young kids’ ability. They can learn knowledge and skills associated with Coding once they are properly guided and supported. We enroll students rising to 6-8 grade in the fall semester for the Middle School Academy. We enroll students rising to 9-12 grade in the fall semester for the High School Academy.
IS THERE A RESEARCH ASPECT OF THIS PROJECT?
Yes, we look at students’ attitudes toward careers in Computer Science. Girls Coding Academy is applying to grant programs to support young kids. We also contribute to research in this area.
WHAT ARE THE DATES?
The Girls Coding Academy —will run from June 13 – 17, 2022 virtually.
The Academy will be Monday through Friday.
—-Middle School Schedule: 9 am to 1 pm
—-High School Schedule: 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
WHAT ARE THE CLASSES AND TOPICS COVERED IN THE GIRLS CODING ACADEMY?
We focus on the following Computer Science topics in this year’s academy:
The Middle School Academy (Grades 6-8)
-Game Design and Development (Scratch & Roblox Studio)
-Introduction to Python Programming Language
-Web Development/HTML/CSS
The High School Academy (Grades 9-12)
-Python Programming Language
-Game Design and Development (Construct 3)
The camp includes instruction on Computer Science topics. Our philosophy is based on project-based learning and hands-on projects. Students complete daily tasks and work on interconnected projects.
WHAT IS SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION?
Your child will be assigned to a small group of 5 -7 students supervised and taught by a Mentor. Mentors will instruct and help each student individually with their daily tasks and projects during each class period.
WHO ARE MENTORS?
We have undergraduate or graduate students serving as Mentors or Academy counselors. Mentors are responsible for the instruction and supervision of the students. Mentors will also be in touch with the parents of the students. A high school volunteer may be assigned to middle students’ groups as a helper/aid, depending of the availability.
WHAT IS YOUR STUDENT-TO-TEACHER RATIO?
We are proud to have a 3:1 student to teacher ratio in our small groups allowing us to teach students 1-on-1 during the majority of activities.
HOW MUCH IS THE ACADEMY FEE?
The Academy fee is $350 per child. There are discounts for siblings, teachers, and UH Employees. The fee includes all classes and all activities.
WHAT ARE DISCOUNTS?
Siblings can receive $50 off for each sibling. Teachers can receive $50 off for each child. UH, Employees are eligible for $75 for each child. Discounts may be combined. You need to send proof of documentation (ID or pay-stub with registration form) for Teacher and UH Employee discounts. You can find out how much you will need to pay when you complete your registration form at http://www.codecougar.org/register
WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP, AND WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Limited Scholarships are available for students with financial needs. We provide up to $350 towards your registration fee as a scholarship. Parents need to provide the following documents when they apply for scholarships: Documentation showing participation in Free and Reduced Lunch program at the student’s school, an income statement, and a short essay written by the student.
SCHOLARSHIP DOCUMENTS
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM: The student applicant should be a current recipient of the Free and Reduced Lunch program at his/her school. (A document proving free and reduced lunch status will be needed. You may need to contact your school to request documentation if you don’t have it already. A screenshot of “free and reduced lunch” status on an official school lunch payment website may be acceptable as documentation)
INCOME STATEMENT: You will be asked to provide your income and a financial circumstance statement as part of the registration form.
STUDENT ESSAY: Students who are applying for scholarships will be required to write a 100-word essay explaining why they would like to join this academy, how they would benefit from the academy, their academic performance in school, and their experience and interest in academy topics.
A committee will review the submitted documents and let you know if you qualify for a full scholarship for the registration fee.
HOW CAN I PAY?
We accept payment using major credit/debit cards. There is no fee for paying with credit/debit card. We are unable to accept checks or cash. The registration form will direct you to a separate payment website once the form is completed. Your seat/space in the academy won’t be reserved until you make the final payment by the registration deadline on June 9, 2022.
CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE FOR ONLY A FEW DAYS?
While we strongly encourage students to attend a full week of activities, in some cases, we could allow only a few days of academy participation. The normal academy activities are scaffolded and built upon each other from day 1 to day 5. If you need to start the academy a day late or leave early, please talk to the academy director after you register.
HOW ARE CLASSES/SUBJECTS ARRANGED?
We implement our unique curriculum, which builds upon interconnected projects throughout the academy. That’s why we offer all four classes as a package and can’t allow children to choose between the classes. Students will be taking these classes similar to a mini school schedule where they take some classes on certain days and times. Classes will alternate each day to keep students engaged. A full schedule will be available during the orientation day for parents and students.
WHAT MATERIALS DO I NEED FOR MY CHILD?
Students will need to have access to a “desktop” or “laptop computer”. We are unable to provide any computers to our campers. Additionally, students will need a reliable internet connection, microphone, and webcam to participate in the camp. Chromebooks and iPads don’t work with our camp and are not recommended. Virtual students will need to be able to install the software on their computers if needed. Windows or Mac operation system is required. The Linux system doesn’t work with our camp software.
DO YOU PROVIDE ANY MATERIALS FOR CAMPERS?
Prior to the camp, we plan to provide a camp t-shirt to each participant.
ARE THERE OTHER ACTIVITIES BESIDES CLASSES?
Yes, students will take breaks between classes during the day. We will conduct fun and game-like activities that can be completed virtually during break times.
DO YOU HAVE REWARDS?
We will provide certificates to students who complete their individual tasks regarding their projects at the award ceremony.
WHAT IS AN AWARD CEREMONY?
We will hold a Virtual Banquet this year. We will gather on the last day of the camp to recognize the success and achievements of our students. They will get certificates and also showcase their completed work.
WHAT CAN STUDENTS TAKE HOME THIS YEAR?
Students will be able to take their technology projects.
WHAT ARE OTHER POLICIES?
Parents and Students will need to sign on “Consent to participate in academy”, “Student Online Code of Conduct & Acceptable Technology Use Policy”, “Work Permission”, “Liability Form”, and “Media Release” when they register.
HOW DO YOU PROTECT THE PRIVACY AND RIGHTS OF CHILDREN ONLINE?
We protect the privacy and rights of children online. We follow The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) in our program. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) imposes certain requirements upon web sites and online services that are directed toward children (https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule). We provide safe environment for the highest protection available with respect to participant’s personal information. We do not collect any individually identifiable information from students whom we know are under the age of 13. In order to register your child to participate in our activities, we collect certain personal identifiable information and request parental consent.
IS THERE AN ORIENTATION SESSION FOR PARENTS?
Yes, we will hold an orientation session for parents on the second week of June prior to the camp starts. Parents will be notified of the details of the orientation session after they register.
This application form is for the following program’s camps:
+The LEADERS Project (April 16-30, 2022) (Saturdays) (Grades 3-8)
+ITECH-STEM Elementary Schools (Tentative: June 6-10, 2022) (Gr. 3-6)
+Girls Coding Academy Middle and High School (June 13-17, 2022) (Gr. 6-12)
+BioTechnology Academy (Tentative: June 20-July 1, 2022) (Gr. 9-12)
MENTOR FAQ
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WHO CAN BE A MENTOR?
We need undergraduate, graduate students, and teachers serving as “Mentors” (Camp Counselors) at our Spring and Summer camps at the University of Houston. Both “pre-service” and “in-service” teachers can be hired as Mentors.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A “MENTOR”?
Mentors ideally should have prior experience working with young kids. We expect Mentors to have intermediate computer skills and an interest in STEM fields. Any experience in camp topics (Coding, 3D Printing, Digital Storytelling, STEM Art, Game Design) would be a plus!
DOES MY MAJOR MATTER?
Students majoring in education, computers, engineering, technology, and STEM fields will be preferred. However, students majoring in other areas may also apply.
IS THIS A PAID POSITION?
Yes, we are proud to be able to pay our mentors. A competitive pay (at or above student worker rate at UH) for your work will be available. The payment may differ based on your experience.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR MENTORS?
In addition to being paid for your time, you will receive:
— Free “training” in camp subjects from university professors and camp directors prior to working with kids,
— Interaction with UH faculty from College of Education and Natural Science and Mathematics,
— Certificates of appreciation will be available for our mentors upon completion,
— “New in 2022”: Digital badges through Creedly will be available upon completing our training and completion of the programs. These badges can be shared in LinkedIn and be used for resume building,
— Reference Letters from UH faculty and Program Directors,
— The LEADERS project additionally offers Undergraduate Research opportunities under the supervision of UH faculty, participate in UH Provost’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship, and a chance to present at national conferences with faculty after the Spring camp during the school year.
— BioTechnology Academy additionally offers a “Learning Network,” including working in BioTechnology labs and internship opportunities in UH or around Houston companies, attending regional conferences after the Summer camp during the school year.
WHEN AM I GOING TO HEAR FROM YOU? WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF BEING ACCEPTED AS A MENTOR?
Within two weeks after you fill out the application form, we will contact with you for an ONLINE interview. Hiring will be based on your qualifications, interview results, and application materials.
WHAT MATERIALS WILL BE NEEDED TO APPLY?
1. A current resume (including education, prior work/teaching experience, and contact information of two references)
2. A one-page statement on why you would like to be considered for this position
3. Unofficial copy of your transcript showing your current GPA.
CAN YOU WRITE US A RECOMMENDATION LETTER UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM?
UH professors will be able to provide recommendation letters to all mentors who successfully finish the program. Please inquire with the camp director for details.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS FOR MENTORS?
Depending on the camp, mentors need to work at least 4-5 hours a day from 9 am to 3 pm every day, Monday-Saturday during the summer camps. The LEADERS project will be on Saturdays only. See a list of camps and their specific times below.
WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM DATES?
The program dates change every year. Please refer to the application form, section 3, Camp Dates for this year’s dates.
****Dates for SPRING 2022 Virtual Camps*****
+ April 16 – 30, 2022, The LEADERS project – Elementary & Middle School (Gr. 3-8) – (3 Saturdays, 9 am – 3 pm)
****Tentative Dates for SUMMER 2022 Virtual Camps*****
+ June 6 – 11, 2022, ITECH-STEM – Elementary School (Gr. 3-6) – (Monday-Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm)
+ June 13-18, 2022, Girls Coding Academy – Middle & High School – (Mon-Sat) – (MS: 9 am-1 pm, HS: 12-4 pm)
+ August 1-6, 2022, BioTechnology Academy – High School (Gr. 9-12) – (Monday-Saturday, 9 am -1 pm)
WHAT IS MY ROLE AS A MENTOR?
Mentors will be assigned a small group (5-6) of students depending on the camp. You will be responsible for the instruction and supervision of the students in your group. Mentors will also be in touch with the parents of the students. Depending on the availability, a high school volunteer/intern may be assigned to you as a helper/assistant.
WHAT WILL I TEACH?
You will be following an easy-to-implement curriculum created by UH professors. Lesson plans will be available. All student work will be hands-on and project-based. Almost all projects will involve the use of computers and creating an actual product at the end. UH professors may teach short sections of classes for campers. However, most class time will include mentors helping students individually with the tasks and projects. Camp topics include:
– LEADERS (Coding, Digital Storytelling & Video Production, Game Development),
– ITECH-STEM (Coding, 3D Printing, Digital Storytelling &Video Production, and Game Development),
– Girls Coding Academy Middle School (Coding with Scratch, Web/HTML, Intro to Python Programming),
– Girls Coding Academy High School (Python Programming and Game Design).
– BioTechnology Camp (Molecular Biology, Protein Binding & Docking, COVID-19 protein drug discovery)
WHAT IS SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION?
Mentors are expected to help each student with their assigned tasks and projects individually during each class period. You will be teaching only a small group of 5 to 6 students. You need to help each student with their projects in your group during a class session.
WILL I BE TEACHING ALONE?
We use a co-mentoring (co-teaching) model for our small groups. There will be two mentors assigned to each group. You may teach with your co-mentor in different parts of the curriculum and assist each other with instructional activities.
ONLINE (VIRTUAL) INSTRUCTION
We will be using an online conference system to hold classes. Each mentor will have their online conference account to hold small group classes. We will utilize breakout rooms for individual mentoring whenever possible. Zoom will be our software.
DO I NEED TRAINING TO BE A MENTOR?
Yes, it is mandatory to complete an online training on “Preventing sexual abuse and child molestation” through UH system. Additionally, there will be training on how to work with young children, camp procedures, and on camp topics (Coding, 3D Printing, Digital Storytelling, Microbit, Python, Game Design), and on the camp curriculum prior to camp start date.
AM I GOING TO RECEIVE TRAINING ON THE CURRICULUM?
Yes, you will receive materials and lesson plans ahead of the camp. You are expected to study and be prepared. There will be 1-2 days of online (live) curriculum training prior to the camp start date. BioTechnology camp may be face-to-face in UH Main campus labs. The date and time will be announced later.
WHO WILL BE MY SUPERVISOR?
You will report to the camp director(s).
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CAMP VOLUNTEER/INTERN IF THEY ARE ASSIGNED TO ME?
You can think of volunteers/interns as “teacher aides.” A volunteer’s primary role is to help you with instruction, working, and supervising kids in your group. As a Mentor, you will be the ultimate responsible person as a teacher and leader in your group.
CAN I BE ABSENT ON SOME DAYS?
We expect full attendance unless there is an emergency or a valid excuse. In rare cases, we may be able to cover your classes.
VOLUNTEER/INTERN FAQ
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WHAT IS ITECH-STEM/CODE COUGARS?
There are two University of Houston summer programs happening in two separate weeks. ITECH-STEM (http://www.itechstem.org) is a summer STEM Technology Camp designed for elementary students in grades 3-6. We teach Coding, 3D Printing, and Digital Storytelling. CODE COUGARS (http://www.codecougars.org) is a summer Girls Coding Academy. We teach Coding (Scratch, Python, Microbit Programming, Web/HTML/CSS) to middle school students in grades 6-8.
You can be an intern for both camps or just one of the camps of your choice.
WHAT ARE THE CAMP DATES?
Each camp will be for 6 days and will be completed within one week. When you apply, please indicate your availability for each week:
ITECH-STEM: July 19-24, 2021
Girls Coding Academy: July 26-30, 2021
WHO CAN BE AN INTERN?
We need High School students to become volunteer interns at the camps. 9-12 graders can be interns in our program.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE AN INTERN?
Volunteer interns ideally should have prior experience working with young kids. All volunteers should have basic computer skills and interest in STEM fields. Any experience in camp topics (Coding, 3D Printing, Digital Storytelling) would be a plus!
WHAT APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE NEEDED TO APPLY?
You will need your GPA, current resume, and contact information of two references to apply.
WOULD INTERNS BE PAID?
Interns will NOT be paid as this is a volunteer position, but they will be given certificate of appreciation at the end of the program.
CAN YOU FILL OUT MY VOLUNTEER SERVICE HOURS?
Yes, we will be glad to fill out your paperwork for your volunteer/community service hours.
CAN YOU WRITE INTERNS A RECOMMENDATION LETTER?
UH professors may write recommendation letters based on the performance of interns/volunteers. Please inquire with camp director for details.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS FOR INTERNS?
Volunteers need to follow camp hours, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for the duration of the camp.
DO I NEED TRAINING TO BE A VOLUNTEER/INTERN?
Yes, it is mandatory to complete an online training on “Child Protection-Preventing sexual abuse and child molestation”. Additionally, there will be a training on how to work with young children and camp procedures for volunteers.
WHEN WILL I BE RECEIVING TRAINING? IS THERE ANY ORIENTATION DAY FOR VOLUNTEERS?
While you can take your “Child Protection” training online on your own, we will have an online orientation/training session for all interns in July. The date will be announced later. Interns will be asked to join this orientation session/training prior to start of the camp.
WHO WILL BE MY SUPERVISOR?
You will directly work with an undergraduate or graduate student, also called, Mentor. The Mentors will be your immediate supervisor. You will be assigned to a group of 5-7 students led by Mentors.
WHAT IS MY ROLE AS AN INTERN?
Your primary role is to assist your Mentor with instruction, helping and supervising kids in your group. Mentors will be the ultimate responsible person and leader of your group.
CAN I BE ABSENT ON SOME DAYS?
You can be absent on some days as long as there is no regular pattern of absences. We do need regular attendance for the success of the camp. If absences occur, we would need to find another volunteer to replace you.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
Please visit http://www.codecougars.org/interns to apply.
Girls Coding Academy is sponsored by Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute at University of Houston and hosted by UH STEM Center and Department of Curriculum & Instruction at College of Education at University of Houston.