CSEdWeek Spotlight Series: Yaritza Kenyon, Code@TACC Alumni

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    In 2023, the Education & Outreach (E&O) team at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) completed its eighth year of hosting Code@TACC, the center’s signature summer residential program for high school students. Since its inception in 2015, Code@TACC has served more than 600 students from diverse backgrounds with the majority identifying as African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx. Hundreds of these campers have gone on to pursue postsecondary education in STEM fields.

    Yaritza Kenyon is an undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science at Texas State University.

    We caught up with the camp alumna to hear about her experience at Code@TACC, the program’s impact, and to learn about her career aspirations.

    Yaritza Kenyon is an undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science at Texas State University. Credit: Photo by Jorge Salazar, TACC

    E&O/TACC: What inspired you to attend a Code@TACC camp?

    Yaritza Kenyon: As a high school freshman, I was unsure what career path I wanted to pursue. At the time, I was on the medical pathway. Learning how to take a pulse, do CPR, and studying the bones in the body was interesting but unfulfilling. Eventually, I found myself in math class listening to a presentation about a free summer camp centered on robotics. Before that presentation, I had not heard much about robotics or coding. Applying to the camp felt intimidating, but the fact that a woman was presenting gave me the confidence I needed. The presenter was TACC’s very own Dawn Hunter. I felt inspired listening to her presentation as she explained that women are needed in STEM.

    E&O/TACC: What are some of your favorite camp memories/experiences?

    Yaritza Kenyon: TACC inspires a wonderful sense of community. I served as head counselor for the 2023 camps and one of our counselors was Josie Gonzales, who I met four year ago during camp. In 2019, Josie was a Robotics camp participant and I was a camp peer leader. The people you meet through these camps become lifelong friends.

    E&O/TACC: What are your future career plans?

    Yaritza Kenyon: I want to work for TACC and plan, organize, and execute future Code@TACC camps. From being a camper to serving as head counselor, I have learned the ins and the outs of these camps. Code@TACC inspired me to select Computer Science as my major at Texas State. I would love to have a positive impact on high school students who may not know what they want to study in college.

    Yaritza Kenyon (left) and her partner code sensors to collect data during Code@TACC Connected 2019. Credit: TACC photo

    E&O/TACC: Why should students attend Code@TACC camps?

    Yaritza Kenyon: Code@TACC offers endless opportunities like meeting new people from all over Texas and opening your eyes to life at UT Austin. Your time at these camps can be a wonderful experience filled with new friendships, opportunities, and knowledge. There is always time for fun and new experiences around Austin like touring Q2 Stadium, home to Austin FC of Major League Soccer. Best of all, Code@TACC shows students that STEM can be a diverse, welcoming field. While serving as head counselor, a few of the young women thanked me simply for being a Latina in STEM. Representation is important in fields where it’s hard for some students to feel accepted.

    E&O/TACC: Thank you for your time and contributions to STEM, Ms. Kenyon.