Empowering Futures: YWCA STEM E3 Students Experience AI and Inspiration at Google Boulder

On Monday, November 11, YWCA Boulder County partnered with Google to host more than 40 middle school students from 14 schools throughout Boulder County.   Held at Google’s Boulder office, it was an inspiring "Jam Session" that explored the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through hands-on activities, insider insights, and lively discussions.

The afternoon started with a welcome from YWCA’s CEO Debbie Pope and Google Global Staffing Lead Nina Temple who encouraged them to be curious and say “yes” to new opportunities.   “For economic advancement and equity, we have to make sure women of the future are in STEM positions,” commented Debbie Pope.

Students then dove into an AI activity on Chromebooks, learning how AI detects patterns and processes data. The session stirred curiosity about how AI can be beneficial in areas such as agriculture, health care, and weather forecasting, as well as times when people should be cautious when using AI and its data.  This sparked a conversation on AI’s role in society and how it might shape the future. 

A highlight of the day was a tour of Google’s Boulder facility, where students got an exciting behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s leading tech hubs. They explored collaborative workspaces, saw high-tech equipment, and learned about Google’s innovative approach to creating products that impact millions. The tour allowed students to see a real-world environment where technology and creativity meet, fueling their excitement and curiosity about careers in STEM. 

“I thought this was really cool, and now I am very interested in working at Google,” one of the students shared. “I can’t wait to learn more.”

Panel of Googlers Shared their STEM Journeys

Students had the chance to meet three inspiring women at Google—an engineer, a generative AI architect, and a product manager—who shared their career journeys, the challenges they face in a male-dominated field, and the passion that drives them. “For economic advancement and equity, we have to make sure women of the future are in STEM positions,” commented Debbie Pope

Hearing these stories encouraged students to envision themselves pursuing similar paths, empowered and ready to lead in STEM.  One student gushed, “This was amazing! I would do this again in a heartbeat.”