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Five Programs to Get Girls Interested in Computer Science

Women, underrepresented in STEM careers, account for only six percent of chief executives among the top 100 tech companies. In 1991, 30 percent of computer science degrees were obtained by women, but the percentage dropped dramatically to 18 percent in 2010. By 2020, 1.4 million jobs in computing will be up for grabs, leaving considerable room for young girls to enter the field.

These statistics appear on 100 Girls of Code, a Web site dedicated to encouraging young women to pursue careers in computer science and other STEM-related areas. Coding is increasingly being taught in schools, and an additional trend is programs specifically geared toward young women. 

Here are five programs whose sole mission is to teach girls about the world of STEM, computer science and coding:

  1. 100 Girls of Code: This organization is conducting workshops across Tennessee in order to encourage girls ages 12 to 18 about careers in coding and STEM-related fields. Female coders will introduce these girls to computer programming, Web site construction, games, apps and more. 
  2. Girl Develop It: This international organization provides afforable and accessible programs to young women who wish to learn about coding and computer science. Girls Develop It has classes across the country, holds events throughout the year and offers online classes, such as Development 101. 
  3. Girls Teaching Girls to Code: In this program, Stanford women teach and inspire students in the Bay Area to pursue careers in computer science and engineering. Girls Teaching Girls to Code offers a number of workshops, such as one teaching how to make 3D printed jewelry. 
  4. Girls Who Code: This program works to inspire, educate and prepare young women for careers in STEM or coding. With a staff of leading educators, engineers and entrepreneurs, Girls Who Code hosts summer activities and offers to bring the program to your school. 
  5. Made With Code: This is a new program designed to help young girls pursue careers in computer science. The site offers projects users can complete themselves, such as make a 2D character, make a GIF and more. It also offers tutorials such as making a meme, animating your name and creating a site or app. 


Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor
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