Girls Who Code Announces 2024 Summer Programs for High School Students

Girls Who Code Announces 2024 Summer Programs for High School Students
The updated curriculum includes a new track on Data Science + AI

New York, NY - (April 1, 2024) — Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in tech, announced their 2024 Summer Programs – free, virtual opportunities for 9th-12th grade students. Summer Programs are a vital part of Girls Who Code’s continuous efforts to design cutting-edge and industry-relevant coding education, and ensure accessibility for all people, including those from historically underrepresented groups in Black, Latinx, and low-income communities. In 2023, Girls Who Code’s Summer Programs served 8,500 students – the highest number since their inception.

The 2-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP) hosts current 9th-11th grade students in live, virtual classrooms supported by mentors from industry-leading companies. The updated curriculum teaches game design using p5.js, a JavaScript library for creative coding.

The Self-Paced Program (SPP) is available to current 9th-12th graders who want to learn to code at their own pace. Through independent study and real-world projects, participants can earn intermediate or beginner-level certificates in Web Development, Cybersecurity, and – new for 2024 – Data Science + AI.

Both programs are completely free and give participants coding skills and tech industry insights through dynamic learning experiences that include exclusive events, real-world projects, and grants and tech support for eligible students.

“Girls Who Code’s flagship Summer Programs have been critical to sparking interest in computer science among high school students, and turning that interest and passion into lifelong careers,” said Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. “Year after year, our Summer Programs become more flexible, more customizable, more rooted in the science and tech of today, and more aligned to the specific needs of our students. We’re thrilled to continue expanding our programming to ensure that all students, no matter their background, have access to high-quality computer science education.”

Girls Who Code Virtual Summer Programs are sponsored by major companies, including: Accenture, Ansys, Bank of America, Baxter International Foundation, BlackRock, Cadence Design Systems, Inc., Citizens, CNA, Cox Enterprises, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Deloitte Foundation, Discover Financial Services, DTCC, Electronic Arts, Ford Innovation & Research Center, Insight Enterprises, Intuit, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lenovo Foundation, Logitech, LSEG Foundation, Match Group, MetLife and MetLife Foundation, Morgan Stanley, News Corp, Pfizer Inc., P&G, RTX, Software.org: the BSA Foundation, State Farm®, Synchrony, Travelers, Vonage Foundation, UScellular, and Wells Fargo.

“Synchrony is proud to continue our 8-year partnership with Girls Who Code by sponsoring and hosting sessions in this year’s Summer Immersion Program,” said Bess Healy, Synchrony’s Executive Sponsor of Girls Who Code. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to work together to help prepare these students with the critical technology skills and confidence to take on the jobs of tomorrow and make significant progress in closing the gender gap.”

“The Deloitte Foundation is excited to sponsor the Self-Paced Program to support and inspire high school girls along their education and career journey,” said Erin Scanlon, Deloitte Foundation President. “Access to this type of program offers participants the opportunity to explore some of the biggest topics in tech and help them prepare for the jobs of the future.”

Participants in all programs can access exclusive alumni benefits and career support for life, including the Hiring Summit, pre-internship programs, and Girls Who Code Talks webinars for career tips and strategies.

About Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology and leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip students who identify as girls or nonbinary with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st-century opportunities. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has served 580,000 students through in-person and virtual programming, and 185,000 of our alumni are college or career-aged.

Girls Who Code has sparked culture change through marketing campaigns and advocacy efforts, generating 14 billion engagements globally. In 2023, the organization was featured on Fast Company's "Brands That Matter" list, and was named as one of NonProfit Times’ Best Nonprofits to Work For.

Follow the organization on social media @GirlsWhoCode.