In the News: Feyen Zylstra hosts BitCamp

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – Feyen Zylstra hosted BitCamp, a day-long opportunity for 7th and 8th grade girls to learn what it’s like to be a software developer.

BitCamp improves the future of tech by providing the education and experiences necessary for young individuals to discover their passions in an encouraging environment.

The day-long camp was staffed by Feyen Zylstra volunteers including Software Development’s Team Leader, Shane Sievers. “Software Development is an exciting field in high-demand and it’s currently experiencing gender asymmetry. Women in STEM as a whole are underrepresented,” said Sievers. “BitCamp provides an opportunity for young girls to learn the building blocks of the world wide web. Fueling confidence and interest at this stage helps students visualize a career path.”

Megan Persons runs the program and said, “FZ was absolutely incredible. Their team was beyond generous in every way. All team members gave up valuable time to work with our girls for the entire day. They offered encouragement every step of the way and worked at a pace that was accessible to the students. They also spoiled the students with two meals and shirts (that I've already seen the girls wear)! Beyond the BitCamp curriculum, the students also enjoyed touring the FZ facility and hearing about the educational and career paths within FZ. Learning to code was/is valuable but being able to actualize it as a career only happens through these experiences. Because of this trip, our students were able to see, learn, and experience global and professional worlds they may not have known existed before. We're grateful for the efforts of FZ, the ISD, and all partners of BitCamp!”