For every $500 we raise, another student is supported.
Our current funding priorities are focused on student success. We delivered our first IT Summer Academy last summer.
Thanks to the generosity of many of you, 30 future Redbirds came to campus last summer, lived in Hewitt Hall, had classes in Julian Hall and Old Union, and explored campus and Uptown Normal.
This one-week residential coding experience was all about empowering students.
Here is what some of them had to say:
“All of the course overviews were fantastic, great
activities and instructors. Meeting with the alumni was really helpful. The
scavenger hunt was tons of fun as well, and all the TA's and instructors were
great.”
“I really enjoyed the Raspberry Pi session, the
cybersecurity session, the movie, and the ice cream”
“I loved being able to talk to alums and what they did while
here and where they are now.”
Our goal was to reach out to students from various backgrounds that may not feel prepared for the coursework or campus life.
We want to increase incoming Freshmans' readiness for their IT classes, help them explore different IT majors, and create for them a sense of belonging on campus - at minimal cost.
At the conclusion of the Summer Academy, 80% of attendees either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that they felt confident they could be successful in their programming classes. Further, 90% indicated they felt a sense of belonging.
Our goal is to raise $4000 and add 10 more students to the academy in June 2025!
With the success of our inaugural event, let’s do it again!
Your gift motivates students toward excellence in their IT major, shaping a future that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusivity, and opens doors to a world of opportunities in the tech field.
Thank you for participating in Birds Give Back and supporting our Redbirds!