Sasha Ariel Alston shares her journey of entering the STEM world and publishing her new book, "Sasha Savvy Loves to Code". In addition, she discusses the importance of more women getting involved in STEM education and STEM workforce.

Sasha Ariel Alston is an author, tech activist and speaker. Sasha is a college student who recently published the book "Sasha Savvy Loves to Code". Sasha has been on multiple top news sites and talk shows and encourages young women to code.

"I want to bring the excluded and underrepresented into the STEMoshpere of possibilities." - Sasha Ariel Alston

Sasha has been recognized for her outstanding efforts to raise awareness regarding STEM’s lack of diversity. She is the proud recipient of the prestigious Imani Award and the Prize for Achievement from the Kurt Giessler Foundation. She has also been featured is several publications from around the world, including the United States, France, Japan, Kenya, and the Philippines.

Sasha empowers & inspires ALL to pursue coding, especially young woman!

Website: http://sashaarielalston.com

Recently published book, "Sasha Loves to Code", is getting great reviews on Amazon! (See http://amzn.to/2qG3oSH)

"Let's support Sasha by buying copies of her book and give as Christmas gifts this year! The story of a young girls journey and struggles in STEM reach a wide audience."  - Professor Chuck Konkol

Tech enthusiasts, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science club members, authors, artists, students, teachers, entrepreneurs, crafter, and makers of any kind—came together on November 11&12 for the 3rd annual Mini Maker Faire! 

​Around 200, possibly future RVC students, ranging in ages 5-90 visited the Rock Valley College table at the Mini Maker Faire last weekend. This is the third year Professor Konkol from Rock Valley College CIS Department has been invited to host a table at the Mini Maker Faire.

Learning Code For The FIRST Time
Those who attend local K-12 schools, were asked "How many computer or coding courses are offered at your school"?  About 90% of the responses said their school offered ZERO computer or coding types of courses. According to Professor Chuck Konkol, "The goal of the "RVC Hour of Code" is to help K-12 students in the Rockford Region receive basic training in coding skills and STEM with monthly workshops like the "RVC Hour of Code" and "Learn Coding with Robots". The ultimate goal is to see Computer Science curriculum required in all K-12 schools in the Rockford region. To find out more about these events click here to view the MyCIS@RVC event calendar.

The Aha Moments 
Professor Chuck Konkol and RVC students taught attendees how to control an Ozobot robot with colored lines and drag and drop coding. Everyone had fun watching the eyes of a young person light up with excitement after they completed a coding task that caused the Ozobot robot to move across the table.

Thank You!
Thanks to all the RVC students who came out and volunteered their time to help make this event a success! 

Looking forward to Mini Maker Faire 2018!

Media from Event