CS Ed Week x CSforALL

This CS Ed Week — which runs from December 9th – 15th to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science — NCWIT is spotlighting 2024 Aspirations in Computing Impact Award Winners who are nonprofit founders working to broaden participation in tech and computer science education nationwide!

Being a student by day and nonprofit founder by night is no small feat — but Laasya Aki, Grace Magny-Fokam, and Katelyn Liu make it look effortless.

All won the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Impact Award, which honors and celebrates members of the Aspirations in Computing Community who expand access and inclusion in computing. Through hands-on learning opportunities, peer-led mentorship, and digital and in-person communities, they’re empowering young students from diverse backgrounds and ages to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas to the future of tech.

Growing their respective non-profits — CODEify, Folia Technologies, and Wow! That’s STEM — is a calling they all expressed joy in. Witnessing K-12 participants learn, grow, and apply crucial computing skills, like problem solving and innovation, in their day-to-day lives is rewarding. Even more so, supporting students who could be the future tech workforce continues to motivate these founders, despite all of the barriers they’ve faced — juggling both rigorous coursework and founder demands, limited time, and othering they’ve faced as young women of color.

Many words can be used to describe these soon-to-be tech legends: multifaceted, time management wizards, pioneers… While all of these are certainly true, there isn’t just one word that can encapsulate how outstanding and impactful they are! Don’t just take our word for it. Read on to learn more about Laasya, Grace and Katelyn, and how you, too, can make a difference in shaping a more equitable tech future by starting where you are, using what you have, and doing what you can! Whether you’re a current student, educator, or mentor, your efforts to support K-12 CS learning are needed!

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Meet Laasya Aki:

From Minneapolis, Minnesota, she’s a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University, an NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance member institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a Co-Founder of CODEify! Currently, she’s studying Computer Science after following her fascination with math and all the possibilities in the field.

She’s also a three-time NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award recipient, earning accolades from 2022-2024. She first got involved with the Aspirations in Computing Community thanks to encouragement from her mom, who works in tech as a Cloud Solutions Architect and is a steady source of inspiration. To learn more about what inspired her to start CODEify, check out the Q&A below:

What does tech/computing mean to you?

Tech means the power to solve unsolvable problems! Unlocking the power of technology helps solve global problems.

What are your research interests and why?

What fascinates me is AI and Cybersecurity and how they can interact, particularly how they’re able to catch things humans can’t. Cybersecurity is so much more important now with cyber threats and us relying on technology more, this area is especially important which is why I’m interested in it.

Is there anyone in tech/computing that inspires you? Why?

Dr. Joy Buolamwini — founder of The Algorithmic Justice League — and her work with uncovering algorithmic bias in machine learning inspires me. Part of the solution that she’s going for is not just to disregard machine learning or belittle its impact, she’s actually trying to make it more equitable and eliminate bias in machine learning because this tool is so powerful and has so much potential, it needs to be thought out more carefully and have a diversity of people working on it.

I’m a huge inclusivity advocate. Since technology can create a lot of new possibilities, it’s important that they are open to everyone — there should be a diversity of people who are in technology.

Laasya Aki

Co-Founder of CODEify

How were your experiences as an intern with the Minnesota Twins and General Mills?

I was exposed to these opportunities and was able to participate in them because of the Aspirations in Computing community! My first internship, with the Minnesota Twins, was a real-world view into how technology works in the corporate world and was so fascinating to me because I was like “what does technology have to do with baseball? What am I going to code? What am I going to do?” When I arrived, that answer became clear to me: I did a lot with web development, and I just loved the people that I was working with.

The next summer I completed the General Mills internship, which was a different type of technology but still a lot of fun because I loved the people I was working with again! It was really cool how we could apply technology to the food manufacturing process and run diagnostics on it. While there I also configured an Internet of Things prototype to help the process run more efficiently.

These were such great experiences because I was able to learn about what technology does in the real world and it motivated me to keep going because I knew that these were some of the possibilities that were available to me with a CS degree.

▶ CS + Sports | Women in Sports Technology

What advice would you give to students applying for internships?

My advice to students applying for internships is to keep everything on your resume up-to-date and relevant for what you’re applying for. When interviewing, be prepared and also yourself!

Resume Tips | AiC Labs

Get guidance from a recent event with the AiC Community and special guest Rhona Pierce, a software engineer turned tech recruiter who founded HowToLevelUp.com. You can also watch the video online on demand.

As a “curious learner” who is intrinsically motivated, Laasya began a personal technology blog right after 9th grade as an easy, accessible way to share technology. Over time, her love of tech and its ever-changing possibilities continued to grow. Ultimately, it led her to co-found a non-profit that helps about 50 students learn to code per semester. Now that they are in their fourth semester, Laasya hopes the organization can expand to more states and invite more students and teachers to join.

What inspired you to create CODEify?

I was inspired to create CODEify when I started taking more advanced computer science and math classes. I saw there was a significant gender gap in the classroom — there were noticeably less women in the classes, so I wanted to offer an accessible way for people to learn how to code.

How many employees/team members do you currently have?

I’m currently the Director of Technology and I met my two co-founders, Pranavi and Andrew, through working for a different non-profit organization! We met up and decided we all supported the mission and wanted to pursue CODEify. We spread the word and learned how to build CODEify by partnering with other nonprofits in Minnesota. View all CODEify team members online.

What’s your favorite or most proud moment of CODEify so far?

Beside completing the website and placing out fliers, one of my favorite moments of CODEify was our first semester, when we started! People were actually showing up, liking the lessons, and they were going to come back — it just showed us that it was a successful endeavor and what we were doing was actually useful.

How can students become involved with CODEify?

CODEify is online and open to all for late middle schoolers through 12th grade! On our website, there’s a “Join Us” button where you can sign up to become a member of your team. If you’re interested in becoming a tutor, there’s a short interview process.

How can people support CODEify?

Support us by registering for classes and spreading the word to reach as many students as possible! We’re ending this fall semester with our very first hackathon for students so they can have a practical application of what they’ve been learning how to code. We will also have more classes coming next spring!

This CS Ed Week, what would you like to see in K-12 CS Ed? Are there any efforts you take part in or would recommend to current students and teachers?

I would love to see more students in CS classes and more opportunities for after-school programming! Not just for coding, either. It’s important students learn to develop a problem-solving mindset since it can be applied in everyday life.

Teachers should check out CODEify, but also these CS resources they can use in their classroom:

Also, a lot of schools do a career day, and having more people in technology come to speak to students would help them learn all about this whole new field of possibilities!

Meet Grace Magny-Fokam

From Glenn Dale, Maryland, she’s now a senior at the University of Maryland — an NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance member institution — and the Founder of Folia Technologies! From the moment her Dad gifted her a computer that she took apart and rebuilt at age eight, Grace was captivated by computing. Naturally, she chose to pursue a Computer Science degree, with a concentration on Machine Learning (ML) and a minor in Statistics. Earlier this year, she spoke as a panelist in NCWIT’s new series about the intersection of computing and passion, CS+ Environmental Action.

Whether she is reading source code or designing simple games, Grace is constantly seeking new ways to develop her tech skills. To learn more about how she combined computing with all of her interests to launch a tech-based non-profit, check out her Q&A:

What led you to your current studies?

I’ve always had a special affinity for math and engineering, so computer science felt like an obvious choice. However, I chose CS because of how easy it is to combine with my secondary interest, environmental science.

What are your research interests and why?

My research interests lie in the field of computer vision, particularly its applications in addressing social and environmental challenges. More specifically, I’m interested in using computer vision and data science to contribute to impactful solutions in these areas. Currently, I am investigating how computer vision, integrated with remote sensing technology, can be used to predict and mitigate environmental hazards. This intersection of technology and real-world problem-solving aligns with my passion for leveraging AI to address critical global issues.

How did you first get involved with the #AiCcommunity?

The AiC community has been a cornerstone of my career growth, offering mentorship, support, and a much-needed sense of sisterhood in the male-dominated field of AI. In high school, I joined several math and computing clubs and even began conducting machine learning research at a local university. These experiences led to me being named an AiC Honorable Mention for the Maryland State Affiliate in one year and a National Winner in the following year.

You’ve taught Python, Java, and advanced math to over 70 underprivileged students worldwide. What’s your favorite programming language?

I always find myself returning to Python! Its simplicity and versatility, particularly for machine learning and data-driven projects, makes it my favorite language to work with.

Can you share some thoughts on AI’s potential impact in social justice and sustainability?

AI has immense potential to drive progress in social justice and sustainability by analyzing complex environmental data and delivering actionable insights. Environmentalists and technologists alike can benefit from AI’s ability to monitor local environmental changes in real time, highlight broader environmental injustices, and hold specific stakeholders accountable for their emissions.

As a panelist, you briefly spoke about being a Black woman in tech. Why is helping to create the next generation of Black women tech leaders important to you?

As a Black woman in tech, I understand firsthand the challenges that come with navigating spaces where representation is often lacking. Helping to create the next generation of Black female tech leaders is important because it’s not just about breaking barriers for myself, but about ensuring that other young women like me see that they belong in these spaces too. Representation empowers future leaders to believe they can contribute to shaping innovative solutions, especially in fields like environmental tech, where diversity of thought is essential.

Congratulations on being named a UN Land hero this June! What has your work with the United Nations looked like?

Thank you! This June, I had the privilege of collaborating with the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at the Drought and Desertification Day in Bonn, Germany. We launched a campaign encouraging young people to advocate for climate policy at local and national levels, amplifying youth voices in environmental justice.

Representing American youth, I shared strategies for engaging in environmental efforts within the global north. The event was a highlight of my career! I presented Folia Technologies’ work, particularly FoliaNet, during discussions with the UNCCD Secretary-General, G20 Land Initiative leaders, and other high-ranking U.N. officials.

Your CS Hero feature is great! What was it like being a part of CSEdWeek 2023 and participating in the “Impacts of Computing” panel as a CSHero?

Thank you! Being part of the CSEdWeek campaign last year was such an incredible experience, and I’m thrilled to participate again this year! It was amazing to connect with so many inspiring young tech leaders across diverse fields like education, robotics, and disability advocacy. The “Impacts of Computing” panel was the highlight of my week! I loved engaging with K-12 computing students, sharing my journey, and encouraging them to pursue CS in college and beyond. Since I’m not much older than they are, it was rewarding to relate to their challenges and provide a supportive, motivating message.

Download the poster now!

Find more information about Grace, as well as additional videos and links to articles and extension activities that teachers can use, including a Poster Lesson that illustrates the impacts of computing.

Why climate advocacy? What makes you passionate about mobilizing Gen Z to solve global challenges through computing?

Climate advocacy is essential because the climate crisis affects every facet of life, from food security to public health, and disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. As someone who grew up in a low-income immigrant family and witnessed firsthand the effects of environmental injustice, I am deeply committed to leveraging technology to drive equitable solutions. Gen Z, as digital natives, has the creativity and technical skills to tackle global challenges, but we need guidance and tools to channel their potential effectively. Through computing, we can model solutions, analyze large-scale environmental data, and create AI-driven tools that empower communities. Mobilizing Gen Z means equipping the next generation with the resources and confidence to lead this charge, ensuring a sustainable, inclusive future for all.

How did FoliaNet become your first flagship invention?

As a Maryland native, where 32% of the land is used for farming, I felt compelled to address an issue like farming, which is deeply rooted in our state but also has huge global implications. We found that farm workers are 20 times more likely to suffer from heat stress and heat-related illnesses, an issue that will only be exacerbated by the looming climate crisis. My team and I focused on creating a solution to empower farmers while minimizing waste and protecting yields. This led to FoliaNet, our AI-powered, mostly biodegradable device that detects major foliar diseases in crops. FoliaNet was recognized by the USDA multiple times, including more recently during the 2024 Science Summit at the U.N. General Assembly. Thankfully, its success has provided us with the support and funding to continue our research!

What inspired you to create Folia Technologies?

As a Black woman who grew up with few opportunities to learn computer science, I strive to make STEM education more accessible to low-income minorities and encourage youth to use science and technology to address social issues. More specifically, my goal is to empower youth with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to take action on environmental issues, particularly within the context of climate change and AI technology — this is why I founded Folia Technologies.

Now, Grace leads more than a dozen youth engineers in researching and developing innovative AI solutions to climate-related issues such as food insecurity, environmental racism, and health inequity.

What’s been your most proud moment with Folia Technologies?

My proudest moment was finding out I was the youngest in history to be named a UNCCD Land Hero. It was such an incredible honor to have Folia Technologies’ work recognized on a global scale and really reinforced how impactful our mission is and motivated me to continue empowering youth.

How do you envision Folia Technologies evolving?

I envision Folia Technologies evolving into a leading force in AI-driven climate solutions, empowering a diverse generation of innovators to tackle pressing environmental challenges. By expanding our reach through our own initiatives like the Global Youth Ambassadors program and partnerships with other organizations, we’ll continue providing new avenues for young professionals all around the world to get involved in climate technology and policy.

How can readers support you and Folia Technologies? Are there day-to-day actions we can take to remedy climate change?

It’s important for youth to remember that anyone can be an activist and that social innovators can come from multiple different backgrounds and trades!

I would strongly urge youth to hold major corporations accountable, continue to challenge the systems that perpetuate environmental destruction, organize grassroots movements, and use their skills to make a difference in their communities.

This #CSEdWeek, Grace said she’d love to see more emphasis on integrating real-world applications of CS in K-12 education!

It's crucial to highlight how CS can drive positive social and environmental change. I recommend that teachers introduce students to resources like curriculums, challenges, and hackathons that focus on solving real-world issues, starting with those present in your local community. These experiences not only build technical skills but also foster creativity, problem-solving, and a sense of global citizenship.

Color photo of Grace Magny-Fokam sitting at a table resting her chin on her hand and looking thoughtfully to the right.

Grace Magny-Fokam

Founder of Folia Technologies

For teachers looking for examples, Grace recommends:

Meet Katelyn Liu

She’s a high school sophomore in California that enjoys the outdoors and hopes to combine all of her interests — AI, ecology, and environmental science — into a dream career!

Her first computing memory was in 4th grade, attending a robotics workshop at a local library with FIRST LEGO League Robotics — an NCWIT K-12 Alliance member — where she was able to program them. The following year, she went on to form a FIRST LEGO League Robotics team. Now, she’s a non-profit founder working to increase STEM experiences through hands-on workshops and mentorship.

To learn more about why she wants tech and computing to be her future, and the inspiration behind creating Wow! That’s Stem, check out the Q&A below:

Color photo of Katelyn Liu wearing green LEGO glasses and smiling toward the camera at the First Lego League Tournament.

Color photo of Katelyn Liu in a lab coat preparing to give a research presentation.

Color photo of Katelyn Liu exploring her dream internship at Worlds. She is seen standing and smiling next to an Autodesk display.

What did being recognized as a 2024 NCWITAiC Impact Award recipient mean to you?

It meant a lot to me! I’ve been involved with the #AiCcommunity last year, but I’ve been doing STEM workshops in my community and outreach events since 7th grade. Being recognized for all of my hard work and the impact I’ve made in my community meant a lot to me — I was so shocked. It’s one of the first I’ve ever gotten.

What are your research interests and why?

Last year I entered my local science fair with a project using Machine Learning to predict the correlation between pyrodiversity and biodiversity — this was the difference in fire characteristics and the impact of those on biodiversity in different areas. This was relevant to me because I live in Southern California and there’ve been a lot of wildfires that have affected people I know. I wanted to do research on wildfires and biodiversity and ecology and it was my first exposure to Machine Learning.

Recently, I presented at the Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research and I did a 10 minute oral presentation with a five minute Q&A, which was really scary but I was so excited to present my research at an undergraduate conference!

Currently, I’m in my school’s Jellyfish Lab where we’re doing research on associative conditions. We’re measuring the pulse rate of jellyfish which is really tedious to count because we have six going at the same time! I’m working on developing an algorithm with OpenCV and Python to count the pulse rate of those jellyfish.

How did you first become involved in the FIRST Tech Challenge?

My mom saw an ad for our local Girl Scout’s FIRST Tech Challenge team, which is an all-girls team, and I was interested! I attended a few meetings during the summer and the overnight summer camp and that’s when I fell in love with it. Now, I’m a co-captain! We make 18 x 18 inch robots out of metal plus fabricated plastic and wood, and we compete with these robots in about five competitions every year.

In FTC, it’s not just about robots, or how well we can program them, or how well it’ll do in competitions. It’s “more than robots.” In each competition we have a saying, “gracious professionalism”, which means not just competing with other teams but also cooperating with them; lifting each other up and supporting one another — not being just cut-throat competitive! This is one thing I really love about FTC!

There are also community awards for outreach! My team does a lot of Girl Scouts — a NCWIT K-12 Alliance member — workshops, we’re out in the community, we try to connect with college labs and learn from them. This is actually how I first became involved with FIRST!

Color photo of Katelyn's team in the pit at the FTC World Championship

Color photo of Color photo Katelyn driving a robot on the Word Championship stage in Houston.

Color photo of Katelyn and the robot after a successful run at the FIRST World Championship.

As captain and programmer, what are your responsibilities?

As a captain, one of my main responsibilities is maintaining a supportive environment within our team as well as ensuring all girls are involved, not just returning members but also making sure the rookie’s have time with the robots, too. One of the beautiful things about being an all-girls team is that none of us feel like we’re competing against one another for spots or for opportunities — we’re all just working together and lifting each other up. As a programmer, I make autonomous programs for the competitions and guide the newer teammates.

What was it like advancing to the World Championships, twice?

My first year in FIRST Tech Challenge I went to the championship! It was so crazy and eye-opening! I was a driver both years — so I drove the robot on stage during the competition — and I was one of the only female drivers on one of the only all-girls teams. This really inspired me to do better and bridge the gender gap! I’ve been surrounded by a lot of all-girls teams in Southern California, but when going to the world level, there wasn’t much representation. It really opened my eyes how large the gender gap in tech is. It inspired me to become more involved in outreach!

Don’t let anyone else or the people around you tell you your ability to do the things you love, and be involved in tech and computer science. There are discouraging things that may happen because other people are insecure, but be confident in yourself. Keep learning, and you’ll get there!

Color photo of Katelyn Liu smiling and standing with arms gently crossed in front of a growing green background.

Katelyn Liu

Founder of Wow! That's STEM

What inspired you to create Wow! That’s STEM?

It was sparked by my robotics experience: realizing how male-dominated the field is and that not everyone has the same opportunity to early STEM exposure.

In 7th grade I became involved with robotics and saw a local community grant in my school district and applied and won it! I began teaching at my old elementary school to students when they had early dismissal and eventually found a library that was interested in those workshops. I was able to get my friends to volunteer at the workshops and in turn even some of them joined robotics which was really cool. Now, I also teach a modified curriculum to kids with Autism at a local church and reaching out to YMCA programs to develop at STEM program with them, too!

Why do you enjoy teaching, specifically teaching workshops to younger students?

I really like seeing their faces light up! A lot of them have had one-off experiences where they go to a STEM day and after that, they never have any additional opportunities outside of a school project. Seeing them persevere — especially younger kids who can get frustrated a lot — and realize they’re doing robotics and they love it keeps me going!

Not every participant will come out of the workshops wanting to do STEM but I’m hoping that even if we get a few, that’ll be worth it.

How many team members/employees do you currently have?

It’s myself, my brother, and a couple of friends! We all work together as a core team. I also have eight volunteers for each workshop, and usually a mix of friends and robotics team members. My brother has been great in helping to mentor teams because of his previous robotics experience, but also with finances because we just applied to be a 501(c)(3)!

What’s been your favorite or most proud moment of Wow! That’s STEM so far?

My most proud moment is hosting a workshop with a young Girl Scouts troop with Sphero’s — mini-robots that you can program and drive — and afterward there they were interested in joining or starting a FIRST LEGO League robotics team. I was able to give the troop leader robotics kits from our local Girl Scouts branch and seeing how happy she was to be able to provide this opportunity to her troop was a really great moment for me.

This really inspired me because they had never been exposed to robotics before! We’re hoping to get them registered for a FIRST LEGO League team next year.

How do you envision Wow! That’s STEM evolving?

I want to continue Wow! That’s STEM into college and beyond! I also hope my brother and friends will continue through as we keep growing. I’m reaching out to more locations and vendors for workshops so we can keep growing! I’m hoping to publish the curriculum I made so that even more people in communities outside of mine are inspired to start STEM workshops. I want to provide as many opportunities as I can!

How can readers support yourself and Wow! That’s STEM?

You can email me — [email protected] — with any ideas that you have or if you’re interested in becoming involved! I have a curriculum you can use to conduct your own STEM workshops and events in your area.

This CS Ed Week, what would you like to see in K-12 CS Ed? Are there any efforts you take part in, or would recommend?

I’m hoping CS education will be available to all K-12 students! Right now, some schools have great CS education while others haven’t exposed their students to any at all — and I want everyone to have that opportunity.

Lastly, I’ll always recommend FIRST robotics! It’s high commitment but it really allows you to dive deep into robotics and learn while instilling confidence inside of you.

Learn how you can inspire students in computing today with popular computing topics from Teach Engineering:

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