by Lucy Wang, Director of Brand at she++You asked, we heard. This fall, she++ is expanding to college campuses nationwide with the launch of the College Ambassador Program. she++'s newest initiative aims to foster communities that promote diversity in technology by providing resources to students interested in increasing the accessibility of computer science at their college or university.Alison Kohl (Stanford '15) and Raiyan Khan (Stanford '15), co-directors of the College Ambassador Program, believe that every student should have access to computer science curricula as well as a computer science community for mentorship and support.Both Kohl and Khan know first hand how important it is for new computer science students to have a strong tech community. Kohl hadn't even considered studying computer science when she came to Stanford, but took the introductory computer science course her freshman fall at the suggestion of an advisor. "It's scary for me to think that I was one class away from missing out on a field that challenges and opens doors for me every day. That's why the College Ambassador Program is so important," said Kohl."The effects of the she++ Ambassador Program will be two pronged," said Khan. "First, by making computer science more accessible at colleges where it is not currently, and second, by strengthening the network of existing computer science communities."For Kohl and Khan, the College Ambassador Program is about bringing valuable insights about computer science to college campuses. "Our College Ambassadors will share what they have found to be true about computer science with their peers with the goal of dispelling myths about the field," Kohl said. "This is a grassroots movement, and we're looking for college ambassadors nationwide." said Khan. "We're helping more girls go geek, one community at a time."Interested in becoming a she++ College Ambassador on your campus? Find out more at sheplusplus.com/ambassadors or contact Alison Kohl or Raiyan Khan.
