Girls Who Code Flagship Program Enters Ninth Year, Bringing Girls to Top Companies and Universities for Immersive Computer Science Education

Organization’s Summer Immersion Program to launch in 20 markets nationwide, bringing computer science education to over 1,500 girls in summer 2020

New York, NY (January 21, 2020) - Girls Who Code, the international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology and challenge the stereotype of what a coder looks like, today announced its ninth year of programming for its flagship Summer Immersion Program. The program, which offers rising 11th and 12th grade girls 300+ hours of instruction in web development, design, robotics, and mobile development, will serve over 1,500 girls in 20 markets nationwide in 2020.

“Our Summer Immersion Program is a unique experience for girls because it teaches them computer science skills, and connects them with girls and mentors who can support them in the field," said Dr. Tarika Barrett, Girls Who Code COO. “All these elements are critical to making sure that girls see a future for themselves in computer science. By the end of our programs, girls have access to an incredible multi-generational sisterhood, and know there’s no limit to what they can accomplish.”

In 2020, the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program will serve over 1,500 girls with 77 programs in 20 markets, including its first-ever program in Hartford, Connecticut, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Other markets hosting the organization’s Summer Immersion Program include: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Irvine, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York City, Northern New Jersey, Northwest Arkansas, Philadelphia, Stamford, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington. Applications are open for all cities beginning today at https://girlswhocode.com/summer-immersion-programs/.

“I loved the Summer Immersion Program, as cheesy as it sounds it really has changed my life,” said Dissy Vargas, a 2019 Summer Immersion Program alum. “Not only have I learned important skills for computer science, but I have been able to build friendships that I will continue to keep even when the program is over.”

Since its founding in 2012, the international non-profit has taught 185,000 girls to code–half of whom are from historically underrepresented groups in tech. The organization has 30,000 college-aged alumni, and its alumni are declaring majors in computer science and related fields at 15 times the national average.

“Girls Who Code has flooded the pipeline with talented young women interested in working in tech,” said Reshma Saujani, Girls Who Code founder and CEO. “Thanks to the support of our partner companies, we’re on track to closing the gender gap in entry-level tech jobs by 2027.”

The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is sponsored by 43 major companies and philanthropic foundations, including: Accenture, Akamai, American Express, AT&T, Autodesk, Bank of America, BlackRock, Blizzard Entertainment, Cadence Design Systems, Centerfield, CNA, Credit Suisse, Electronic Arts, EY, Fiserv, Ford Motor Company, Goldman Sachs, HSBC Bank, Intuit, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Kate Spade New York Foundation, Lightspeed Venture Partners, MetLife and MetLife Foundation, Moody’s, Morgan Stanley, P&G, Pfizer Inc., Prudential Financial, RBC Capital Markets, Riot Games, S&P Global and the S&P Global Foundation, Software.org: the BSA Foundation, State Farm®, Synchrony, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), The Travelers Companies, Inc., The Walt Disney Company, United Technologies, Walmart, Warner Bros., WarnerMedia, WW International, Inc., and Xandr. University host include: Georgetown Law.

To apply for the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program, visit girlswhocode.com/SIPapply.

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About Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is an international non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, and leading the movement to inspire, educate and equip young women with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st century opportunities.

Since launching in the United States in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 185,000 girls through its programs (Clubs, Campus, Summer Immersion Program, College Loops), and 100 million people through campaigns, advocacy work, and 13-book New York Times best-selling series. To learn more, visit www.girlswhocode.com.