MakerspaceCT Awarded $10,000 Grant from Infosys Foundation USA; to Launch Girls in Gaming

Photo byMakerspaceCT

MakerspaceCT, a hub for innovation and education in Hartford, CT, is thrilled to announce its successful grant award of $10,000 from Infosys Foundation USA’s Infy Makers Awards. This grant serves as an acknowledgment of MakerspaceCT's commitment to promoting equitable pathways in computer science education, particularly among underrepresented communities.

The Infy Makers Awards, presented by Infosys Foundation USA, targets educators and organizations fostering inclusivity in computer science education for K-12 students. MakerspaceCT's Lead Instructor of Advanced Technology, Julie Gauthier, expressed her excitement, stating, "Receiving this grant is a tremendous honor. It reinforces our dedication to providing opportunities for young minds, particularly girls, in the realm of game design and computer science."

The grant enables MakerspaceCT to launch the "Girls in Gaming: Closing the Gender Gap in Game Design" program. This initiative aims to empower young women age 14-17 from underprivileged communities by teaching game development fundamentals, fostering teamwork, and promoting career pathways in technology and software engineering.

"Our vision at MakerspaceCT is to uplift individuals and communities through innovation and education,” said Devra Sisitsky, MakerspaceCT’s executive director. “This grant enables us to bridge economic barriers and inspire diverse talent to thrive in Connecticut’s technology landscape."

“We are proud to continue our work in the Hartford area by supporting the exciting new initiatives hosted at Makerspace CT, expanding exposure to maker education as an on-ramp to even greater engagement in STEM and computer science. Congratulations to Makerspace CT for this well-deserved recognition!”, said Kate Maloney, Executive Director, Infosys Foundation USA.

"Girls in Gaming: Closing the Gender Gap in Game Design" starts on March 27, 2024. This is a 20 hour, FREE opportunity for CT Girls aged 14-17. Class size is limited to 10 students. The application is now open at https://app.makerspacect.com/gamedesign.

The grant funds will support various program elements, including equipment, teaching staff, and guest lectures from industry professionals.

Through this award, MakerspaceCT continues its mission to create a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem, opening doors for aspiring young minds to pursue careers in technology.