Sophie Panzer, a writer for the Jewish Exponent, explains how Techgirlz has persisted through this challenging time to continue bringing STEM workshops to young girls through virtual sessions. The full article was originally published April 17, 2020 on Jewish Exponent.

“During these interesting times that we live in, technology plays an even more key part in business,” said TechGirlz founder Tracey Welson-Rossman. “If we can give these girls the confidence to know that they are part of the tech world, they will continue to pursue careers in technology. They are tomorrow’s innovators.”

Volunteer instructors, who are local information technology professionals as well as high school and college students, are now teaching their students over Zoom. TechGirlz instructional materials are also available to download for free from their website library, so parents and teachers can start their own workshop groups.

“As an instructor, there’s immediate feedback from the girls,” Welson-Rossman said. “Because you can see their faces, you’re still able to see that lightbulb moment and their reaction to the things they’re learning. There’s that feeling of creating some good in the world.”

The classes also provide students with the chance to socialize safely with their classmates.

“Girls are signing up and they see some of their friends from school who have also signed up. We love the fact that our girls got to see each other and create relationships,” Welson-Rossman said.