Published on October 21, 2025

When Erikah joined Self-eSTEM’s very first camp in 2015, she was just eight years old curious, creative, and full of potential. What she didn’t know then was that her early experience coding and exploring STEM would become the spark that guided her entire academic journey. “Self-eSTEM has been really impactful to my life, especially in high school,” Erikah shared. “The only reason that I thought it was possible for me to even be able to do computer science is because of the experience that I had doing it at Self-eSTEM.”
Through her years in the program, Erikah discovered the joy of problem-solving, designing, and building skills that would later shape her confidence and curiosity in the classroom. Even as a young girl, she was drawn to technology’s creative potential. “Even though I started doing it as a young girl and I didn’t fully understand what I was doing,” she said, “I knew that there was still a fascination in it, and that’s what inspired me to take it seriously.”
That early spark led her to dive deeper into computer science in high school, where she completed Computer Science Principles and Computer Science A courses, two major milestones that helped her bridge her love for creativity and technology.
Now a college student majoring in Digital Arts, Erikah continues to embody the Self-eSTEM mission: exploring new pathways, innovating fearlessly, and shaping the future through design and technology. Her journey represents the power of early STEM exposure and the importance of representation, proof that when girls see themselves as creators, leaders, and innovators, they build confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Your support fuels the confidence, curiosity, and leadership of girls who are often overlooked in traditional educational spaces. By investing in Self-eSTEM’s mission, you’re creating access, opportunity, and community for the next generation of innovators.
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At Self-eSTEM, we believe in empowering the next generation of Women to succeed in STEM. Visit www.selfestem.org to learn how you can contribute through donations, volunteer opportunities, and mentorship.Together, we can create a future where every young woman has the opportunity to thrive in STEM.
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