Girls Who Code website. Screenshot by Ariane Coffin.
The Girls Who Code non-profit organization is putting together its 7-week summer immersion program again in 2015, which combines classes, mentorships, and presentations to introduce junior and senior high school girls to Computer Science.
The project-based curriculum provides hands-on practice with software development in a university or company setting, where the girls can get exposed to Computer Science, its industry, and the female leaders thereof. Field trips include familiar names such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and the list goes on.
The girls of last summer’s program reported having a greater sense of confidence, formed a support community for each other, and were more likely to consider pursuing a major in Computer Science in the future.
In addition to the summer immersion program, Girls Who Code also provides a network of clubs, lead by volunteer teachers and professors, assisted by volunteer college students and professionals, to instruct 40 hours of classes per year. These volunteers provide the (wo)man-hours while Girls Who Code provides the curriculum and training.
Why is this important? According to the Girls Who Code website, “in middle school, 74% of girls express interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), but when choosing a college major, just 0.3% of high school girls select computer science.” In the workplace, it translates to this: “In a room full of 25 engineers, only 3 will be women.” I don’t know if you’ve heard, but diversity tends to be a good thing.
Applications open soon, sign up online to be notified.
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