[slideshow]More than 200 area third- through eighth-grade students, teachers, and parents attended a computer programming symposium on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.  

The Inaugural Schlumberger Log-in Symposium provided participants with free access to computer programming and robotics software, equipment, training, and other resources. There also were student robotics and computer exhibitions from Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy on display.  

Volunteers from Schlumberger, Rice University, University of Houston and Texas Southern University served as mentors and instructors for the students. They also held informational seminars for parents interested in learning about education opportunities in the computer programming and technology fields.

HISD Board of Trustee Paula Harris, who helped organize the event, said the symposium is part of Schlumberger’s longstanding commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs.

“It’s important to teach our children to be creators of technology and not just users of technology,” Harris said.

Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy Principal Delesa O’Dell-Thomas echoed that sentiment.  “Events like this let our students get a firsthand look at how the computer apps that they use are created,” O’Dell-Thomas said. 

Participants at the symposium will have priority to participate in subsequent Schlumberger Log-in programs and will also have access to resources such as competitions, computer programming courses, camps, and grants sponsored by Schlumberger and its community partners.