What is FWD Conference?

A mere 15% of the total undergraduate Computer Science degrees are awarded to women.
We’ve decided to nip this problem in the bud.

Cal Poly Pomona sheCodes is a student-run club that aims to create a community for underrepresented groups within Computer Science by advocating for women and minority groups both on and off campus. Not only do we aim to help students currently in college, but we also strive to introduce underrepresented groups to Computer Science and support young students who are interested in this field. To achieve this mission, sheCodes hosted our annual Future Women Developers (FWD) Conference on Saturday April 19, 2025 this year. FWD was created for middle and high school girls and minority students to create awareness about technology. This was the second time we hosted FWD in-person since 2019! We introduced various topics about the Computer Science field and provided three hands-on workshops about Web Development, Cybersecurity, and Python for the students. We also provided a CS Careers Panel and Women & Minority in Tech Panel so the students could hear about various careers and experiences. No experience is required, as we provide tutorials and mentorship to help the students as well.

Computer Science in the Real World

Computer Science is all around us. Think about all the different types of mobile apps, websites, and computers: it can be found in many aspects of everyday life! Anything can be made with Computer Science. We will introduce the basics.

Hands-on Experience with a Coding Project

For this fully virtual conference, attendees will have access to our step-by-step coding videos. Follow along and learn how each line of code interacts together to build your own program!

Network and Make New Friends

Join our live meeting on Zoom! Attendees will have the opportunity to meet college women currently majoring in Computer Science. Gain insight and learn more about their journey!

Schedule

Sat April 19, 2025 8:20 - 8:30 AM	Mentor Orientation
8:30 AM	Doors Open
8:30 - 9:00 AM	Check-in
9:10 - 9:30 AM	Mentor/Student Pair Up
9:30 - 9:50 AM	Panel CS Careers
9:50 - 11:20 AM	Workshop 1 Web Development
11:30 - 11:50 AM	Workshop 2 Cybersecurity[Part 1]
12:00 - 1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 PM	Workshop 2 Cybersecurity[Part 2]
2:10 - 2:55 PM	Workshop 3 Python
3:00 - 3:10 PM	Group Picture
3:10 - 3:45 PM	Panel Women & Minorities in CS
3:45 - 4:00 PM	Closing Remarks, Exit Survey, Sign-Out