Computer Literacy Background
‘GIRLS CAN CODE’ Initiative - 2014After Madelaine discovered the male-dominated nature of computer science, she wanted to find a way to encourage more women in technology. After a lack of success recruiting high school girls, she went into elementary feeder schools and began running after-school workshops to promote computer sciences courses and technology as a future career for women. She believed she could increase interest in technology by highlighting positive female role models in S.T.E.M, teaching strategies to thrive in male-dominated environments, and enhancing confidence by providing these youth with an in-depth understanding of computer science prior to entering high school.
Arcane Code Camp - 2015While in High School, Madelaine connected with Arcane Digital Inc., a London based digital marketing company. She worked with them to develop the first official ‘Arcane Code Camp’, where she created a scalable curriculum that introduced youth to the principles of JavaScript. She launched her first sessions in August 2015 and continued to run this program year-round. In the Summer of 2016, she introduced a new module, HTML & CSS, in an effort to attract more girls who she found were more drawn to the creative nature of web development / design. Over her three years facilitating code camp, she consistently updated and tailored the curriculum, taught over 200 youth ages 12-16, and led a team of youth volunteers to provide experience upon completion of code camp.
7 Gen Digital Hub - 2019 As a 2018-2019 Global MINDs Fellow, Madelaine was tasked with creating an innovative solution to the mental wellness problems Indigenous communities faced. Initially partnered with the Wulaawsuwiikaan Healing Lodge and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, she began to focus more on Indigenous youth, as they are the next generations of leaders. Deciding to host her program at Yotuni, a grassroots Non-Profit, Madelaine spear-headed the ‘7Gen Digital Hub’ which aimed to provide youth with a forum to express themselves and build agency. As part of the ‘Hub’, she provided training for Indigenous youth (ages 10-16) on computer literacy, website development, and basic graphic design techniques. This was a precursor program so the youth could have the requisite experience to contribute to Yotuni’s T.E.N digital hub, which is an Indigenous online platform for youth from all walks of life, to speak their truth, share their stories, art, music, and more in a safe, positive, and supportive space.