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BitCamp GR at Collective Idea

Dream, Code, Create… in our office space.

by Laura Mosher

Kyle We are very excited to be hosting our very first BitCamp GR event on October 22, 2016. We are happy to announce that we are co-hosting BitCamp in Holland, MI with Hope College’s Computer Science Department. BitCamp GR is a single-day event to teach 7th and 8th graders what it is like to be a software developer. A few of us have volunteered for past BitCamps and loved it, and now we are stoked to be hosting one.

Hosting BitCamp GR

Hosting a BitCamp is surprisingly easy. Software GR provides laptops, chargers, the curriculum, instructors (if needed), and swag bags which include a t-shirt and a flash drive for the girls to save their work on. Software GR relies on the host organization to provide a healthy lunch, snacks and beverage, volunteers, and a facility conducive to learning.

Each event usually draws 20-25 kids and are held about once a month during the school year. Since each event is hosted at a technology firm, the girls are able to visit, work, and experience what it is like to work in a development shop.

We recently expanded our office here at Collective Idea and one of the newest perks of the new space is a big open room designed to be flexible for work, collaboration, or hosting events and meetups. The space is perfect for hosting BitCamp!

Future BitCamp’s

BitCamp GR has partnered with Kent ISD to provide two classes. The first is in November, partnering with Spectrum and the second in December, partnering with Amway. There are other BitCamp events in the works for 2017.

Get Involved

BitCamp GR is such a unique opportunity to introduce young girls that technology can be for them. This event is helping combat the lack of diversity and women in STEM fields.

Interested in getting involved, but don’t know where to start?

The best way to get your foot in the door is to volunteer at one of the future events. If you’re available, feel free to stop by our space on Saturday, October 22, 2016 and watch our BitCamp in action.

You can sign up to receive notifications about upcoming events and/or you can contact BitCamp GR directly.