Limitless Technology Day Camp Heads to Microsoft

Introducing Youth to the Power of Technology

Pomona, CA – Transcendence and Technology Goddesses are pleased to announce the inaugural Limitless Technology Day Camp. Transcendence is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building communities and enabling the aspirations of youth in underserved communities.

Technology Goddesses is an organization created by Cora Carmody, chief information officer of Jacobs Engineering, and their goal is to bring youth to technology. The program will be held at the Microsoft Technology Center in Irvine on Saturday, October 20 from 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Microsoft is donating their facilities for the day, staffing instructors for the modules, and providing lunch for the participants. The mission of the Limitless day camp is to help 5th through 8th graders realize how to transcend their present conditions and academic environment, by introducing them to the limitless world of technology.

“I discussed an idea with Cora about leveraging her expertise with Technology Goddesses to collaborate on a program for kids in the Inland Valley who may not have access to technology opportunities,” said Michael D. Lacy, president of the board of directors for Transcendence. “We want to show them the possibilities of transforming from being a consumer of games and mobile apps, to a creator of such technologies. In addition, our objective is to make students aware of the viable and diverse career paths in technology related fields.”

The camp will feature four modules: Module one is entitled Motion Capture with Kinect, which is a live, physical, interactive, digital computing experience where participants use their bodies as the computer input device. The second module is a next generation multimedia communications and video creation session using cutting edge Microsoft hardware and software.

The third module is an engineering and automation workshop using Lego’s Design Automation kit for kids. The final module is the Walk and Play tour. It is an interactive tour of more than a dozen next generation Microsoft Technologies. Each of these sessions is designed to give the participants hands-on interaction with the tools and convey the associated education and career opportunities.

“Transcendence is an organization that seeks to improve the lives that it touches – technology confidence and education is a great compliment to their goals. I hope the attendees of Limitless have fun, and grow their courage to try new things, and take continued steps to grow their knowledge and ability in order to work in technology fields some day,” said Cora Carmody.

Technology Goddesses offers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to Girl Scouts in the San Diego area. The goal is to build the girls’ confidence with all aspects of computers and to be positive role models for girls of all ages. A few volunteers for the event will be Girl Scouts that have participated in Technology Goddesses’ summer camps. They are involved in planning, conducting and publicizing this event, in satisfaction of their Girl Scout Silver Award.

Microsoft joined the partnership after learning about the concept through Ms. Carmody. “Many young people do not have access to the right technology and training tools to prepare them for the future,” said Tyler Bryson, General Manager, Enterprise and Partners Group, Southwest District, Microsoft. “Working with Limitless Technology Day Camp, we hope to empower local youth with the right technology and meaningful education experiences to be empowered and realize their career opportunities.”

The collaboration between the three entities has led to the creation of this signature event. “It is designed to be immersive and engaging in order to inspire a dream for a brighter future for the kids attending,” said Keith Hosea, executive director of Transcendence. “Ultimately we want this experience to translate into more kids from disadvantaged neighborhoods and families to become inspired to study technology and pursue careers they may never have thought of without this unique opportunity.”

The program is open to students in 5th through 8th grade from communities in the Inland Valley, including the cities of Pomona, Ontario and San Bernardino. Transportation for the students will be provided at locations in the three cities. Registration is now open at www.WeAreTranscendence.org. Space and availability is limited.

About Transcendence–Transcendence is an organization founded in 1986 by Willie and Earlene Thompson. We have been child advocates throughout history, initially with direct services programs such as residential group homes, foster care and mental health. Today Transcendence is focused on building communities and enabling the aspirations of youth and their families. We accomplish this through collaboration with community partners and providing financial support of programs targeting children and families who are underserved.

About Technology Goddesses–In an effort to address the continuing issue of low numbers of women in technology-related educational programs and careers, Jacobs Engineering Chief Information Officer Cora Carmody founded the Technology Goddesses™ program in 2002. The Technology Goddesses is an organization focused on educating Girl Scouts of all ages in technology related disciplines, with a component of service that brings the older girls into mentorship positions with elementary school-aged girls. The overall objective of the Technology Goddesses program is to help girls acquire technology skills in a fun and collaborative fashion, while helping to spark and sustain their interest through the years. The program, now in its tenth year, overlays technology curricula over normal Girl Scout troop and camp activities.