AI for Girls: An RTSE Initiation Program

‘AI for Girls’ is a philanthropic initiative from CloudThat in partnership with Microsoft India. The sole motive of this initiative is to empower and incite curiosity amongst underserved Girls on Technology & Programming. This initiative is being driven in the backdrop of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ as a stream to demonstrate the art of possibility.   

The following serve as key drivers for this initiative:

• Girl’s empowerment: Bring courage & opportunity where ideas & bright minds have already gathered. Showcase new avenues and make it a possibility for girls to give them hope at a better future.
• In this regard a visit to the HOPE foundation which is non-sectarian charity working to bring a change in young and vulnerable children from non-priviledged background. It was conducted by CloudThat team, presented a demonstration of technological streams that are pursuable by the attendees. Throughout the event, attendees were given an eye-opening experience as they took part in something big and had unforgettable adventures. 

• Raise awareness on Technology/Programming: To encourage the next generation into taking up STEM subjects and enhance their technical skills. Also, this was intended so that the attendees can have a fun experience as they build a perspective on the need to learn programming.

Intended Outcome

As the participants have no programming background and do not possess any technical knowledge to qualify to be employable across industries, there was a need to impart fundamental knowledge on basic concepts. They possess basic digital skills in using Microsoft Office. With this, below is the intended outcome

• Enrich their know-how on Technology and the art of possibility

• To give them a jump-start into the world of programming and leave them on a path with guidance to self-sustain their learning post the event

• Embellish their resume over time with eventual skills they would along the way (Enhance their employability quotient)

Event Details

• Date: 12th and 13th March

• Venue: Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd, 6/18, Bellandur Gate Rd, Bellandur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560103

• Expected Attendance: 250 Girls

• Agenda
  • Inspirational talks to surface the need to stay Relevant with Digital Skills
  • Introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an emerging field of Computer Science
  • Demonstrate the art of possibility with AI
  • Introduce basics of Programming and get them started with Python programming
  • Engage attendees on an ideation activity to help them construct their learning journey

• Pedagogy
  • The two-day program was a package complete with fun and learning. We helped each of the attendees witness and experience the power of AI via real-life demonstrations

• We have given experience zones setup as a means for attendees to witness scenarios lit up by the power of AI (Cognitive Services)

The Team:

This is a collaborative effort between Microsoft India Philanthropic Team and Microsoft Technology Center, aligned to Pillar 3 (Skilling & Employability) and Pillar 4 (Societal Impact) of AI Country Plan