What to expect during the Fall Pathways program?

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology and lead the movement to inspire, educate, and equip students who identify as girls and non-binary with the computing skills they need to pursue 21st-century opportunities.

Our programs include free virtual fall opportunities for high school students. Participants learn the computer science skills they need to make an impact and gain invaluable insight into diverse tech careers, and connect with inspiring figures in the field.

Fall Pathways

Is there a cost to attend GWC Fall Pathways program?

The Fall Pathways program is 100% FREE to attend.

When does the Fall Pathways program run?

Course access for Fall Pathways will begin Monday, October 27, 2025, and run until 12:00 PM ET on Friday, December 5, 2025, for eligible US-based and international students.

What is the format for the Fall Pathways program?

Chart your own journey with the 6-week Pathways program, featuring beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses across a variety of tracks! Explore three exciting computer science tracks in Data Science + AI, Cybersecurity, and Web Development, all on a schedule that fits your life.

Students can choose what they want to study. You can follow our suggested learning path or complete courses in any order that works best for you.

What is the schedule for the Fall Pathways program?

Each Pathways course and its accompanying project will take students 3–6 hours to complete. The courses within each track introduce you to key computer science concepts and guide you through step-by-step tutorials to build a project. Students will earn a certificate for each completed course that can be posted on social media. Students should expect to spend 8–15 hours on a track. To be considered Pathways alumni and join the Girls Who Code Alumni Network, students need to complete at least one course and earn one certificate. However, we encourage students to complete as many courses as possible to earn as many certificates as possible in the allotted 6-week program duration.

Pathways has a flexible schedule, since the curriculum is meant to be completed at your own pace. However, we offer several scheduled opportunities for live virtual sessions throughout the program including: Student Hours, weekly Advisor & Partner Events, and Community Events in our Discord server.

What are Student Hours?

Student Hours are a live opportunity provided to students to get additional support from their Advisors. Students may use Student Hours to get help on projects or ask lingering questions from a lesson. Students can join Student Hours independently or be invited by Advisor members to make up missed work or get extra support.

What can I do during Student Hours?

• Work with classmates and Advisors.
• Have fun with your peers and bring your own snack.
• If you like to work alone, you can keep your camera/mic off and use the chat when needed if you have questions.
• Have a quiet space to work so that you can tune out distractions.
• Advisors will be there to help you troubleshoot, answer any questions you might have, and clarify content.

Note: Student Hours are optional but strongly encouraged when looking for extra support.

What are the Pathways Advisor and Partner Events?

Advisor Events in Pathways are an opportunity for students to engage with the curriculum at a deeper level and build community with peers and Advisors in the program. We offer several Advisor Events throughout the program including a Welcome + Kick-Off Event, several workshops related to the curriculum track topics, and a Pathways Graduation Event.

There are several opportunities for you to engage with the program’s corporate sponsors throughout the 6 weeks at what are called Partner Events. These synchronous events give students the opportunity to connect with people currently working in the tech field. Event types include opportunities to learn about emerging technology such as cybersecurity and gen AI, hear from early career panelists on their experiences finding internships and first positions, and gain insights from senior leaders at organizations leading in the tech sector. Advance registration for Partner Events is required.

It is expected that students register for and attend at least one of the Partner Signature Events offered during the program. Students in cohorts sponsored by a Partner are expected to attend one of their specific Partner’s events. We highly encourage students to attend Advisor-led events, other Partner events, and Student Hours, as well as actively participate in the Pathways Discord server.

What is the attendance policy?

Fall Pathways has no structured or regulated attendance policy, as students complete courses at their own pace. However, we highly recommend students attend Advisor and Partner Events, as well as Student Hours. It is expected that students register for and attend at least one of the Partner Signature Events offered during the program. Students will also need to complete all coursework by the deadline of Friday, December 5 at 12:00 PM EST.

Is the Fall Pathways program considered an internship?

No. Fall Pathways is an experiential education course. It should not be classified as an internship, as daily programmatic activities are more curricular and exploratory-centered. Students participate in computer science instruction and other optional interactive engagements.

Does Girls Who Code offer letters of recommendation?

No. Girls Who Code does not provide students with individual letters of recommendation. However, we provide each student with a certificate of completion, provided students have completed the program and adhered to our attendance policy. Additionally, we encourage students to connect with their Teaching Teams and request recommendation letters from them directly. Teachers know their students best and can provide a recommendation tailored to their specific program experience. We also advise students to establish professional networking relationships with corporate sponsors to support later in their careers (e.g., through LinkedIn once you are 18+ years of age).

Why should I learn computer science?

You can apply the skills developed through computer science education to any field you choose to pursue in the future, including art, finance, medicine, retail, and more. It is a subject that encourages teamwork, creative problem-solving, and logical thinking — skills that can help you in your day-to-day life. These qualities also contribute to the fact that computer science majors are the highest paid in their first year after college — not a bad bonus! Why learn CS when there's generative AI, you ask? Programmers of the future will still need a strong foundation in core CS principles to use AI tools effectively. For these reasons, we hope you’ll choose to spend your Fall with us!

What can I expect once I have completed Fall Pathways?

To be considered Fall Pathways alumni and join the Girls Who Code Alumni Network, students need ONLY to complete one course and earn one certificate. However, we encourage students to complete as many courses as possible to earn certificates in the allotted 6-week timeframe.

Participants who are at least 18+ years old and have completed any of our programs can access exclusive alumni benefits and career support for life, including our Upskill Series for career tips.

To stay informed about our latest programs, events, and Girls Who Code updates, sign up for our newsletters.

Will the Self-Paced Program still be available in 2025?

In 2025, the Self-Paced Program will be replaced by Pathways, a new program that combines the best elements of the Summer Immersion Program and the Self-Paced Program.

Pathways will provide high school students with flexible, rigorous coursework in cybersecurity, web development, data science + AI, career exploration opportunities, and various engagements with Corporate Partners. To help students get started, we will offer virtual live orientation sessions.

Students who meet the eligibility criteria and are accepted into the program will have access to the same curriculum as the 2024 Self-Paced Program plus our new Responsible AI course exploring how to understand AI's impact and shape its development for good. Through relevant, authentic scenarios, students learn to identify common misconceptions about AI and develop practical skills for evaluating AI systems and advocating for their responsible development.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

We created these Fall Pathways FAQs to answer any questions that may arise along a student’s journey before and during the program. Though you can find most answers to your questions here, we understand that additional clarification may be necessary. For any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our support team at [email protected].

Eligibility

Who is eligible to attend Girls Who Code's Fall Pathways?

Fall Pathways is being offered to select students who applied for or participated in our 2025 Summer Programs. Eligible students also meet the following criteria:

• Are current 10th, 11th, or 12th grade US-based students (2025–2026 school year), or international students ages 14–18 on the first day of the program;
• Have access to both a computer/laptop and wifi;
• Can commit to completing coursework by the December 5, 2025 program end date.

If I participated in Pathways during summer, will the fall program be the same?

For students who participated in Pathways this summer, the Fall Pathways program will offer new case studies and new Partner Events, as well as the chance to explore courses you may have missed during the summer.

I am enrolled in school. How can I best organize my time?

Fall Pathways allows students more flexibility to accommodate competing priorities. Student Hours are highly recommended, but not required. These will take place once a week during the afternoon every Wednesday starting at 6 PM EST / 3 PM PST.

What level of computer science experience do I need for the Fall Pathways program?

No prior experience with Python, Cybersecurity, or Data Science is needed to complete the program. All you need is readiness and our Girls Who Code core value of bravery to learn!

Applying

When does the Fall Pathways Application launch?

The application will open in late August! Eligible students will be notified via email on the day of the launch.

The application will be hosted in SurveyMonkey Apply as a new task in your existing 2025 Summer Programs Application.

What does the Fall Pathways Application process entail?

To apply, you must complete a new task in your existing 2025 Summer Programs Application located in SurveyMonkey Apply. Applicants MUST use the same account used to submit their original 2025 Summer Programs Application. If you need additional support or are unsure what email address you used, please contact us at [email protected].

Once logged into your account, you will access your 2025 Summer Programs Application to complete a new task called “Fall Pathways Application.” The application is brief and should take less than 5 minutes to submit!

Review the images below for steps to access and submit the Fall Pathways Application!

Step 1: Log into SurveyMonkey Apply with the account from your 2025 Summer Programs Application.
 

Step 2: Click “My Applications” in the top toolbar, then select your “2025 Summer Programs Application.”

Step 3: Within your Summer Programs Application, click on your NEW “Fall Pathways Application” task, then complete the application questions. 

Step 4: At the end of the application, press “Mark as Complete” to submit. Eligible applicants will receive an email confirming their application has been received. Offer notifications will be sent by early October, so keep an eye on your email inbox!

When is the Fall Pathways Application due?

Students with existing 2025 Summer Programs Applications can apply online here. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 10, at 11:59pm PDT.

When are students notified about their acceptance into the program?

By early October, we will notify students about acceptance into the Fall Pathways program via email. If you are offered a spot, further instructions will be provided at that time.

How do I withdraw my application?

If circumstances change after submitting your application and you can no longer participate, please contact us at [email protected].

Can you help me access my SurveyMonkey Apply account?

The Fall Pathways Application is hosted in SurveyMonkey Apply as a new task within your existing 2025 Summer Programs Application. Log in using the same account you used previously.

If you forgot your password: click “Forgot your password” on the login page. Instructions will be emailed to you.

If you want to change your login email: log in, go to “My Profile,” and update your email address. For additional support, email us at [email protected] or visit the SMA helpdesk.

Program Preparation & Support

What materials or other equipment do I need to participate?

Students participating in Fall Pathways will need:

• A computer or laptop with audio and video capabilities.
• Reliable internet connection.
• Access to a safe and quiet space during program hours.
• We strongly recommend using Chrome browser.

Headphones are suggested but not required. All activities are web-based. You’ll use HQ and Zoom for coursework and events.

If you’re using a school laptop, we can provide an enrollment letter to unblock your device. Once registered, email us at [email protected].

What websites do I need access to in order to participate?

You will need access to the sites listed in the Fall Pathways Website Allow List document. If you use a school computer, test access ahead of time. For unblocking, email [email protected].

I don’t have access to technology. What should I do?

Only students with computer/laptop and wifi access are eligible. We are unable to provide technology during this program.

I have an HQ account already. Will we use the same platform?

Yes! You will log in with the same credentials tied to your application. If you don’t already have an account, Girls Who Code will create one for you before the program begins.

Will we use Discord again?

Yes! Discord will be used for collaboration, Q&A, and community building. If Discord is blocked in your country, you can still join Student Hours on Zoom for support.

What are the Fall Pathways student incentives?

Incentives include swag, gift cards (for US students), or PayPal transfers (for international students). They may be awarded for participation in events, exhibiting GWC values in Discord, or completing coursework. Note: all incentives will be distributed via raffle.