Girls Who Code Announces Clubs Program Launch in Celebration of 10th Anniversary, Serving 500,000 Students Globally

New York, NY -- (September 21, 2022) - Girls Who Code, the international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology, launched its Fall 2022 Clubs program, offering both virtual and in-person options. Clubs are free after-school programs for 3rd-12th grade students and are a key to Girls Who Code’s continuous efforts to make coding education accessible and flexible for students of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups in the Black, Latinx, and low-income communities.

This year’s Clubs program includes new offerings designed to meet this critical moment in time. Understanding that some communities need resources beyond the free curriculum, Girls Who Code has launched The Clubs Fund –a benefit to help teachers and Facilitators clear their supply wishlists and successfully run their Clubs. Additionally, cybersecurity, one of the fastest growing and most consequential sectors in the tech industry, will take center stage with the Cybersecurity Clubs Challenge. Students can create a project that spreads awareness about a cyber threat in their community and will be eligible to win a cash prize of $250 and swag for themselves and their Club.

“We’re thrilled to launch our Clubs program this year, as we enter a new phase in Girls Who Code’s work, one where we are serving more students than ever and are not only teaching them the skills they need to code but are teaching them the skills they need to prepare for the jobs of the future,” said Dr. Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. “To help our students succeed throughout their education and into the workforce, we must continue to offer flexible programs that expand our students' capabilities while providing the resources and support they need to navigate the ever-changing STEM field. We know our students are ready to make a difference. It’s up to us to give them the tools to succeed.“

Girls Who Code Clubs are sponsored by major companies and philanthropic foundations. "For seven years, Synchrony has worked with Girls Who Code as partners dedicated to supporting women and girls in technology," said Bess Healy, Chief Information Officer, Synchrony. "We're pleased to support the Girls Who Code Clubs program to provide girls with the necessary curricula to close the gender gap in technology and prepare them for future jobs."

The customizable Clubs curriculum includes activities for students with zero computer science experience and activities that introduce college-level coding concepts. When starting a Girls Who Code Club, students can access free resources, a flexible plug-and-play curriculum, ongoing support, alumni opportunities for young learners, and more. Anyone—teacher, librarian, parent, community leader—can start a Club, regardless of experience with computer science. Girls Who Code materials are designed so that Facilitators can learn alongside students.

To apply to start a Girls Who Code Club, click here. No prior coding or computer science experience is necessary.

Girls Who Code’s leading Clubs supporters include ADP Foundation, Akamai, Apple, Arconic Foundation, AT&T, Bank of America, Capital One, Citi Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Dell, Duck Creek Technologies, Electronic Arts, Medtronic Foundation, Meijer, Microsoft, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, New York Life, Northrop Grumman Foundation, Raytheon Technologies, Synchrony, The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, U.S. Bank, and UScellular.

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 reached 500,000 students through in-person and virtual programming, and 115,000 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 2019, the organization was named the #1 Most Innovative Non-Profit on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, and in 2022 was named one of NonProfit Times’ Best Nonprofits to Work For.

Follow the organization on social media @GirlsWhoCode.