The multitude of websites and social media sites we use today, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, are all developed with computer science. Programmers utilize computer science to code and create such platforms, as well as nearly all aspects of technology. With the rise in technology use over the past decade, job openings relating to computer science and engineering have increased as well; however, in the last decade, studies have revealed a large gender gap within these jobs, with women representing the small percentage of 25% in the overall industry. Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization, aspires to make a difference in the world by working to close this gender gap.

Founded by Reshma Saujani in 2012, Girls Who Code works to help reach gender parity in computing fields. The seven-week summer program, which has locations across the nation, provides high school girls with instruction in programming fundamentals, web development and design, mobile development, and robotics in hopes of inspiring them to pursue a career in computer science. Although the program itself is free, Girls Who Code is giving away $1 million in scholarships this year as need-based scholarships and transportation stipends. By 2020, Girls Who Code aims to provide computer science education and exposure to 1 million young women. Since its founding, over 3,860 girls have enrolled in the program.

Similar to the success of Girls Who Code, following the recent reimplementation of AP Computer Science at Ridge, the course has exposed the basics of computer science to many enthusiastic students interested in coding.

Elaine Shen ‘18 reflects, “Computer science was something completely novel to me in the beginning of the year. When the course was first offered at our school, I jumped at the opportunity to take this class. I think what I most like about computer science is that it’s completely different to anything that I’ve ever learned or taken. It pushes me to think differently and was like learning a new language.”

Despite the fact that 55% of AP Computer Science test takers are female, only 17% of AP Computer Science students are high school girls. Mr. Galesi, the instructor for AP Computer Science at Ridge, comments, “Computer science is a stepping stone to many future careers for both men and women. However, the large gender gap is very alarming. I think our program at Ridge does the best it can to explain to students that computer science isn’t just a career for those who like computers, but is a growing field with many different avenues into the math, science, and medical professions. I would encourage everyone to take some form of computer science to see what it has to offer.”

Along with the need for more computer science majors, programs such as Girls Who Code effectively work to close the gender gap within computer science and engineering jobs, as having a balanced workforce within technology fields is paramount to the creation of more jobs and the full exploitation of human creativity. Girls Who Code successfully empowers young women interested in computer science, creating a better, more inclusive technology industry in the world.

Find out more at: http://girlswhocode.com