The Junior League of Las Vegas is an organization that strives to break the barriers and overcome stereotypes about women and diversity. The Junior League of Las Vegas is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Junior League of Las Vegas was fundamental in the establishment of dozens of the nonprofits people see across the Las Vegas Valley today. Junior League of Las Vegas serves communities and donates thousands of dollars to projects and making an impact in the community.

Austin Lewis teaches computer science and business and marketing at Shadow Ridge. Lewis has received a grant from the Junior League of Las Vegas for a collaboration project for DECA.  To align with Nevada’s CTE Marketing and Computer Science standards, this project fosters both technical and business skills through hands-on learning.

Lewis states, “The project not only teaches problem solving but also encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership in a technical setting, preparing students for diverse roles in future careers.” 

This project will blend business, marketing, and computer science fields in a hands-on setting. Led by the DECA president, students from both DECA and the Computer Science Robotics Club will design and install an automated ambient lighting system and static digital display for a shared classroom.

Lewis continues, “Students will manage resources, evaluate costs, and execute a lighting system for the project. As for Nevada Computer Science Standards, students will program and automate the lighting system. Students will collaborate in designing, programming, and installing the system.” 

Lewis has created a hands-on project for students to collaborate on, while learning more about programming, automating, and designing. The DECA president will manage the project, and will select two advisors: one focused on business reporting and the other on technical aspects.  Students will be designing and installing an ambient lighting system and static digital display for a shared classroom. The lighting system will include LED light strips, desk and floor lamps, and a flat panel display that shows daily learning intentions and success criteria. 

Lewis stated, “The initiative empowers female leadership, showcasing women’s potential in breaking stereotypes in STEM. It reflects the Junior League’s mission of promoting women’s empowerment and leadership development.”  

The project not only aims to enhance the classroom environment, but it also serves as a platform for students to gain experience in both business and technical fields. By including elements of programming and design, the project breaks stereotypes by showing how women can be great leaders and do things that are usually male dominated.