Girls Who Code Named Winner in Fast Company’s 2026 World Changing Ideas Awards

Girls Who Code Named Winner in Fast Company’s 2026 World Changing Ideas Awards

Annual Awards Honor Breakthrough Innovations Driving Meaningful Global Impact

New York, NY, June 16, 2026 — Girls Who Code is proud to announce that it has been named a winner of Fast Company’s 2026 World Changing Ideas Awards. This annual recognition honors bold and transformative efforts that tackle the world’s most pressing issues—from fresh sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge AI developments to ambitious pursuits of social equity that are helping mold the world.

Now in its ninth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards celebrate organizations and projects that are delivering measurable impact across industries—from climate solutions and AI advancements to health, social justice, and beyond.

Girls Who Code was named a winner in the General Excellence category for its Five by Five strategic initiative to reach 5 million girls, women, and nonbinary individuals by 2030, and evolve its programming to meet the demands of emerging technologies. Launched in February 2025, Five by Five is designed to scale Girls Who Code’s impact by expanding student programs and building public awareness of the organization’s mission, preparing students for the tech industry through opportunities to build with AI and cutting-edge technology, and supporting alumni working in tech as they adapt, advance and lead.

This year’s awards, featured on fastcompany.com, highlight 191 outstanding projects across 14 categories. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters evaluated more than 1,500 entries based on their impact, sustainability, design, creativity, scalability, and ability to improve society.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our work preparing girls and nonbinary youth to lead in a rapidly changing tech landscape," said Dr. Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. "As AI reshapes every industry, equipping girls to see themselves as builders has never been more urgent. We are grateful to Fast Company for spotlighting our commitment to giving them the skills and confidence to shape the technology that touches all of our lives."

Girls Who Code has served 860,000 girls, women, and nonbinary individuals globally since 2012. Since launching Five by Five, the organization has provided 85,000 students with access to AI coursework and learning opportunities. Alongside its programs, Girls Who Code published research on youth and AI, including a report with UCLA that outlines college women’s views on AI and an early-career study that highlights how alumni are navigating AI in the workplace. The Speak On It campaign provided a platform for youth to share their honest opinions about AI. Speak On It aimed to spark a conversation and action around an inclusive future for AI, because the next chapter of AI should belong to everyone. The campaign centered on girls’ and nonbinary youth perspectives and encouraged youth to see themselves not just as AI users, but as creators.

Fast Company’s Summer 2026 issue (on newsstands June 23) will feature select award winners working on solutions that include geothermal energy, privacy-first cell plans, municipal grocery stores, and more.

“The World Changing Ideas Awards are more than inspiration—they’re a measure of real-world impact,” says Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year’s honorees are turning bold ideas into tangible solutions and addressing urgent global challenges with creativity and rigor.”

About Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology. The organization has served over 860,000 students and is at the forefront of equipping the next generation to thrive in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Girls Who Code’s work has generated 15.5 billion impressions globally, with notable campaigns such as Doja Code, the world’s first codeable music video with Doja Cat. 

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.