Tech Sassy Girlz had the chance to sleep under the stars (or rather a rocket) that was designed to fly to the moon at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This one-of-a-kind Overnight Adventure program, designed for middle school youth, provided the opportunity for the Tech Sassy Girlz to participate. In August, they had the chance to enjoy the thrilling experience of the Space Shuttle AtlantisSM attraction and enjoy guided tours, simulators and shows, educational activities and demonstrations, as well as a special presentation and “mission briefing” from a veteran NASA astronaut! They enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner and late night snack just before unrolling in their sleeping bags to drift off to sleep beneath the majestic Saturn V Moon rocket! The next morning, they enjoyed a continental breakfast before setting off to explore more of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

On June 18-19, 2016, six girls from Central Florida were invited to attend the 2nd Annual National Maker Faire held in Washington, D.C. , as part of the Tech Sassy Girlz program. This event kicked off the “Week of Making” (June 17-23), giving curious, inventive people a place to share what they love to make. The girls had the opportunity to interact with such technologies as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, electronics, and 3D printers as well as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) projects, textiles, crafting activities, homemade robots, and more. The national event was a chance to bring together makers, inventors and tinkerers of all ages.

Tech Sassy Girlz had the chance to showcase apps/games they developed as part of Orlando Tech Week on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Orlando Tech Week is a week-long showcase of the technology, creativity and entrepreneurial hustle powering the future of Orlando. During the annual Tech Sassy Girlz Hackathon – powered by Best Buy, the featured game was Trivia Friends. Tech Sassy Girlz participants worked collaboratively to create and code online games during the event. Middle and high school girls worked in teams alongside professional volunteer coders and graphic designers to solve a problem within their respective communities. First and second place team winners received scholarships to the Yes! Girls Code Camp to finalize their product and other prizes. The interactive web-based STEM games focused on creating supportive environments for women in technology and education.

During the summer, as part of the Tech Sassy Girlz College preparation, girls participated in a chance to visit and explore the campuses of Georgetown University and Howard University. While there they had a chance to learn more about STEM careers and the academic path and collegiate resources available to achieve success.