Girl looking at computer monitor

Youth Initiatives

Technovation Girls Manitoba Chapter

Technovation Girls Manitoba logo

Note: Registration is now closed.

RRC Polytech is hosting the Technovation Girls Manitoba Chapter, a flagship program of non-profit Technovation. The free technology-based (STEM) program for girls ages 15 to 18 offers the opportunity to learn the necessary coding skills to emerge as tech entrepreneurs and leaders.

The online program starts January 16, 2024 and runs until April 27, 2024

Program Overview

girl coding

With the support of volunteer mentors, girls will work in small teams to code mobile apps that solve real-world problems in their community. Along the way they will develop their collaboration, problem solving and leadership skills.

Technovation Girls Manitoba will take 40+ hours over the span of approximately 15 weeks to complete and is completely free.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Curriculum

The program curriculum consists of:

  • Prep: Create a plan, build your team and find a mentor!
  • Week 1: Get to know your community, the problems they face, and how to best solve a problem with a mobile phone. You will also choose an app builder to build your app with.
  • Week 2: Come up with a solution to your problem, and do some marketing research to make sure it’s the best solution possible. Learn some basics of programming.
  • Week 3: Plan out the best way to tackle your solution. Create a business around your app idea and write a mission statement. Learn about event handlers.
  • Week 4: Wrap up your idea with a project canvas. Solve your first coding challenge and learn about branding.
  • Week 5: Learn how to visually express your business’s identity, learn about variables and lists.
  • Week 6: Brand your app and learn about conditionals.
  • Week 7: Continue coding your app and create your business model.
  • Week 8: Learn about loops and sensors and write your business plan.
  • Week 9: Learn to code databases & APIs, and create your pitch video.
  • Week 10: Edit your pitch video and debug your app.
  • Week 11: Practice pitching your idea and prepare your submission materials.
  • Week 12: Follow a walk through on how to submit your idea and planning for after the season!

Outcomes

After participating in Technovation Girls Manitoba, girls typically:

  • Express a greater interest in technology and leadership, with 58% of Technovation Girls’ (global) alumni enrolling in more computer science courses.
  • Enter the technology field and explore jobs such as product and software development.
  • Feel empowered to start their own businesses, present at prestigious events, meet world leaders and even return to support the next cohorts of Technovation Girls.
  • Build a real-world tech project.
  • Connect with local female tech mentors who work in the industry.

When you have a better understanding on how something works, or on how to do something, it empowers you.

Dina J., Technovation Parent

Schedule

The program runs January 16 – April 27, 2024, on the following schedule:

  • Online Classes: Tuesdays, 5pm to 7pm
  • Working Sessions: Saturdays, 9am to 11am (flexible)

Tuesday classes focus on lessons from the instructor and industry experts while working sessions are setup to focus on project work with the Instructor and mentor. Working sessions can be setup based on your team and mentor’s availability.

See a visualization of the schedule

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April 2024

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Location

The program is offered online, however it may include some on-site visitation to industry partners (tech employers) or trips to the RRC Polytech Roblin Centre at the Exchange District Campus.

Orientation Session

Tuesday, January 16 at 5 PM

  • An overview of the program, including the schedule, technology utilized and outcomes.
  • An introduction to the Technovation Team, including instructors and mentors.
  • Frequently asked questions, including how to sign-up, parental consent and vaccine mandates for on-site activities.
  • A question-and-answer period.

Regional Sponsors

Technovation Girls Manitoba Chapter is made possible by support from SkipTheDishes, a champion of women in tech.

Headquartered in Winnipeg, SkipTheDishes is a technology company that connects millions of customers with over 30,000 Restaurant Partners in Canada.

  • An overview of the program, including the schedule, technology utilized and outcomes.
  • An introduction to the Technovation Team, including instructors and mentors.
  • Frequently asked questions, including how to sign-up, parental consent and vaccine mandates for on-site activities.
  • A question-and-answer period.

Registration

Note: Registration is now closed

Volunteer as an Industry Mentor

A Volunteer Industry Mentor offers more than just technical or business-related advice to the students – they empower girls to be leaders and problem solvers in their lives and communities.

Build your leadership and coaching expertise with access to Technovation Mentor Resources, and industry connections through networking opportunities with SkipTheDishes.

A computer science or engineering background is not required and mentors with backgrounds in marketing, product development, project management, software development and other areas are encouraged to apply.

The time commitment is two hours biweekly from January 15 – April 27, 2024.

Note: A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check and completion of the Technovation Girls Internet Safety Training is required.

Interested in joining as a Volunteer Industry Mentor to help students in the Technovation Girls Manitoba program? Email Jonathan Bauer.

Questions

If you have questions about the program, contact us.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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