SU CELL Receives $2,500 Women's Fund Grant for Girls Innovation Academy

Friday June 30, 2017

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s Center for Extended and Lifelong Learning (CELL) recently received a $2,500 grant from The Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to support CELL’s inaugural Girls Innovation Academy.

CELL Girls Innovation Academy — Dr. Chrys Egan, left, coordinator of the Girls Innovation Academy; and Mary Angela Baker, right, director of Salisbury University’s Center for Extended and Lifelong Learning, accepted a check from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore from Women’s Fund member Jan Perdue.

The program, for girls entering sixth, seventh or eighth grade, began in June, meeting for three weeks throughout the summer. Students learn age-appropriate computer coding, web design, media tools and communication software to empower them to solve problems and expand their technology skills. The academy enhances competence and confidence through engaging, applied projects tackling real community issues.

Led by Dr. Chrys Egan, SU associate professor of communication arts, highlights include an exploration of the University’s sustainability initiatives and travel to off-campus sites, such as NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and regional high-tech businesses, to learn about technology in action.

The academy culminates with a lunchtime presentation on campus and a poster session at the Salisbury Arts & Entertainment District’s monthly 3rd Friday celebration in downtown Salisbury from 5-8 p.m. August 18. There, participants will use their newly developed leadership and computer skills to show the results of their summer innovation and sustainability projects.

For more information contact Molly Riordan at 410-543-6090 or cell@salisbury.edu, or visit the CELL website at www.salisbury.edu/cell.