Diva Design shows that talent begins early for local middle school girls

Diva Design, a partnership between Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston, Microsoft and 160 young women from local middle schools, concluded on May 14 with a final competition. The event included a luncheon for the students and final presentations from the different school groups. Each group demonstrated excellent decision-making skills and creative thinking as they competed for top awards.

The middle school girls presented their computer application (app) concepts and answered tough questions from the judges. Taking top hours were the following schools:

First place – Reed Academy: Robots

Second place – Mainland Preparatory Academy: Save Cozmo

Third place – Houston Academy: 3-D Printing

Honorable Mention – La Porte Middle School: Fixer Upper and Remember That

The judges focused on five core areas to evaluate the apps: the purpose of the technology; the challenges of the design; current uses of their technology in the field; how the design can be used; and its impact to the community. The apps were also scrutinized on how the technology could impact space exploration, such as building communities on Mars.

The young women gained valuable experience through interaction with the judges and audience participation. The excitement was palpable as the girls shared their innovative app designs, showing that through teamwork and commitment, great advances are possible in technology and spaceflight.

Glenda G. Johnson, Ed. D.

NASA Johnson Space Center