Girls Who Code Launches Ambitious “Five by Five” Initiative to Reach 5 Million People in 5 Years

The initiative focuses on equipping young people with skills in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity

(NEW YORK, NY) – Girls Who Code, the leading nonprofit dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology, today announced the launch of Five by Five, a bold initiative aimed at reaching 5 million girls, young women, and nonbinary individuals over the next five years. This groundbreaking plan represents a significant evolution in the organization’s programming, designed to meet the demands of an ever-changing tech industry.

In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, job security and economic mobility increasingly depend on the ability to adapt. Emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity are redefining the skills needed to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow. With Five by Five, Girls Who Code is rising to the challenge, equipping students not only with coding skills but also with cutting-edge expertise in emerging technologies.

“This is a pivotal moment for both the tech industry and Girls Who Code. As the skills required to thrive in tech evolve, we are more determined than ever to meet the needs of the next generation, helping them not just thrive, but lead,” said Dr. Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. “Five by Five isn’t just about hitting a number. It’s about laying the groundwork for a new kind of workforce—one that embraces change, thrives on innovation, and leads the charge into the future.”

The tech job market is projected to grow by 600,000 jobs over the next decade, fueled by transformative advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. Girls Who Code is committed to ensuring that young people are prepared to seize these opportunities and excel in an industry that is reshaping the way we live and work.

The organization’s updated programs have already reached tens of thousands of students, enhancing literacy in emerging technologies. Now, with Five by Five, Girls Who Code is scaling its impact to ensure more young people are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Strategic priorities include:

• Expanded 3rd–5th Grade Clubs: Increasing our commitment to Clubs for younger students will help address the critical point at which the gender gap in tech begins to take root.

• Year-Long “Pathways” Program for High School Students: Building on 12 years of experience with the Summer Immersion Program, Pathways is an expanded, hybrid initiative that runs year-round to provide students with continuous learning opportunities.

• Technical Project “GWC Labs” for College Students: Supporting college students in developing technical projects by focusing on self-guided learning strategies, integrating emerging technologies like generative AI into their workflows, and leveraging peer connections for collaborative support.

• Community Building Through Regional Chapters: Empowering alumni to develop leadership skills and create meaningful professional connections through in-person events, online community, and skill-sharing workshops.

• Commitment to Culture Change: Continue to craft iconic cultural moments that change the conversation, such as DojaCode and Girls Who Code Girls, to reach new audiences and make tech more welcoming to girls, women, and nonbinary individuals.

Girls Who Code invites educators, industry leaders, and partners to join the Five by Five movement and help shape a more equitable, innovative, and inclusive future for tech.

Five by Five is made possible through support from: Accenture, Apollo Opportunity Fund, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, IBM, Oak Foundation, Stellantis, Synchrony, and Vonage Foundation.

About Girls Who Code:

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. By inspiring, educating, and equipping students who identify as girls or nonbinary with computing skills, we are preparing the next generation to thrive in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other transformative technologies shaping the 21st-century economy. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 670,000 students through our in-person and virtual programming. Of these, 218,000 alumni are now college or career-aged, ready to lead in the tech workforce of tomorrow.

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 2023 was named one of Fast Company’s Brands That Matter. The organization was also named one of NonProfit Times’ Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2022 and 2023.