This paper discusses a program offered at the University of St. Thomas that promoted interest and confidence in the fundamentals of circuitry and computer programming for girls 13-18 years old. The Code + Chords: Teen Tech program aimed to increase knowledge, awareness, and interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) concepts by exposing students to principles of coding and a variety of new technologies in combination with aspects of music. The program emphasized the creativity and design aspects of engineering, the A in STEAM, which are often excluded from STEM outreach programs. Data was collected through brief Google Surveys, weekly student journals in SeeSaw, and program leader observations. These provided feedback on the program and allowed for an evaluation of the program's impacts in key areas as outlined by the research question; "How does a program that combines arts and engineering impact middle and high school girls' interest in STEAM and their confidence in their own programming and skills and knowledge through a hands-on, out-of-school workshop which focuses on music and coding?"
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