Avon Girls Who Code Awarded $10K Grant

Information and image via Avon Public Schools

AVON, CT – Girls Who Code clubs of Connecticut have been awarded a $10,000 contribution from AT&T to support clubs in Avon at the Avon public schools.

Under the guidance of Avon High School teacher, Jeanine LaBrosse, Avon Girls Who Code creates a cohesive support network for the girls in the town through a series of coordinated activities, shareable equipment, projects, programs, experts and ideas. The girls are given opportunities to create and work on computer programming projects that solve community problems. The girls are able to choose any issue they feel will best impact the community.

Dr. Bridget Carnemolla, Superintendent of Avon Public Schools, is proud of the work Ms. LaBrosse is doing with the girls, stating, “We strive to provide opportunities for our students to apply their knowledge and skills in real world situations so that they can transfer school experiences to life experiences. Ms. LaBrosse helps girls to learn not only about computer programming but also to realize the potential impact women can make in the field of technology.”

“This generous donation will provide significant help to support and grow these worthwhile initiatives. It is so important that our students are given every opportunity to learn new and innovative skills and this donation helps make that a reality. The fact that the participating students will be focusing on addressing challenges in their community makes this all the more worthwhile. I’m especially grateful to AT&T for their support, and to the students and staff of the Avon Public Schools for their interest and enthusiasm of Girls Who Code clubs,” said Senator Kevin Witkos.

“AT&T aims to identify organizations that are making real differences in the lives of local students and families, and Girls Who Code is a prime example,” said Abby Jewett, Regional Vice President AT&T Connecticut. “Girls Who Code has had an impact in communities across the country and we are proud to offer our support as they work to foster STEM education and close the gender gap in technology in Avon.”

In the photo above: Front Row: Debra Chute, Avon Board of Education Chair, Kavya Jain, Avon Girls Who Code facilitator and Alumna of Avon High School, Jade Logan, Avon GWC and 10th grade student AHS, Dr. Bridget Carnemolla, Avon Superintendent of Schools, Mrs Jeanine LaBrosse, GWC facilitator and Avon High School Math and Computer Science Teacher, Kate Schwendemann, Avon GWC and 8th grade student AMS, Makena Logan, Avon GWC and 8th grade student AMS, Cassie Perez, Avon GWC. Second Row: Norm Sondheimer , CS4CT, Jeffrey Fleischman, Avon Board of Education Secretary, Dr. Diana DeVivo, Avon High School Assistant Principal, Abigail Jewett, Regional Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs AT&T Connecticut, Senator Kevin D. Witkos, Connecticut's Deputy Senate Republican President Pro Tempore, John Emra, State President for AT&T Connecticut, Corinne Roller, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Girls Who Code.