Starting in Naples with the first learning experiences on AI and digital storytelling
The gender gap in STEAM disciplines remains a global challenge: according to UNESCO, less than 30% of researchers are women, with an even lower female presence in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. In Italy, cultural stereotypes and the lack of role models influence girls' choices as early as primary school, limiting their access to educational and professional paths in the field of technology. For the 2025-2026 school year, Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS and Micron Foundation are promoting the Coding Girls Power Up project, an innovative training programme aimed at reducing the gender gap in STEAM fields through practical learning and a focus on the skills of the future.
The workshop activities integrate artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and automotive safety and involve professionals from the sector. The project, in synergy with the national programme Coding Girls & Women, supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies (Notice 2/2024), offers students the opportunity to engage with the technologies of the future.
The event at the Ferdinando Russo comprehensive school in Naples offers students a hands-on learning experience on the topics of artificial intelligence, machine learning and creative digital storytelling.
AGENDA
10.00 | INSTITUTIONAL GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
- Antonella Portarapillo, head teacher, IC Ferdinando Russo
- Cecilia Stajano, Community Manager, FMD
- Coding Girls: a national initiative that inspires girls to explore the world of STEAM
- Elisabetta Gramatica, Project Officer, FMD
- Project presentation: bridging the gender gap in STEAM through hands-on learning and the skills of the future
- Manuela Seminara, Head of Micron Talent Acquisition in Europe and Micron Foundation Ambassador
- Video message of greeting for students
10.15 | EXPLORING AI, MACHINE LEARNING AND DIGITAL STORYTELLING
- Luigi Di Giovanni, trainer, FMD
- Introduction to the second training module and the collaborative workshop experience of the day
10.20 | LET'S GET TO WORK!
Practical workshop session (module 2 of the training programme: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Storytelling with AI).
Guided by the trainer, students experiment with Teachable Machine to create simple artificial intelligence models and combine them with visual storytelling tools, developing a short creative project that shows how AI can learn and interact with human creativity.
