Did you know that we are closer than ever to closing the gender gap when it comes to technology? This is largely in part due to Girls Who Code – a foundation that is only six years old that has already reached over 90,000 girls!

What Girls Who Code is doing is important. As technology continues to infiltrate our everyday lives, this generation will need STEM skills for their future careers. Even more, STEM jobs are on the rise. However, Girls Who Code explains, “Computing is where the jobs are — and where they will be in the future, but fewer than 1 in 5 computer science graduates are women.” But, the good news is Girls Who Code is well on its way to closing this gender gap by 2027!

As the popularity of coding clubs grows, we need to find ways to keep our females engaged in computer sciences instead of losing interest in the high school years. To combat this issue, more educators are looking at starting a Girls Who Code Club in their schools. Thankfully, the foundation is making it easy for anyone to start a club – even those without coding experience!

Fill Out the Online Application

The first thing you must do to start a Girls Who Code club is complete an online application. You must be at least 18 years old, have a contact with a host site, and are willing to serve girls between 3^rd – 12^th grade. The application also asks for contact information and the host site. You will also be required to sign a participation agreement.

Find a Space

To host a Girls Who Code Club, you must have space. It cannot just be any space. It must have space for all club members, as well as computers for each member – no tablets or mobile devices! Additionally, your space must have internet access.

Recruit, Recruit, Recruit!

After your club is approved, you will receive recruitment materials, such as volunteer and student flyers. Encourage all the girls you encounter to join! If you encounter some hesitation, remind the young woman that coding is not just for boys or nerds – it is for everyone! Plus, it is fun!

Facilitate the Meetings

As the club host, you will be responsible for facilitating meetings. Even if you have no coding experiencing, you can do it! Girls Who Code will provide you with 120+ hours of curriculum, activity sets, an online learning management system, and facilitator training.

Finally, as the Girls Who Code Club host, you will act as the liaison between the foundation and your club. You will get to share with them all the exciting things your girls are accomplishing and gain support.