GWC Fall Self-Paced Program Overview

What to expect during the Fall Self-Paced Program?

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology and lead the movement to inspire, educate, and equip students who identify as girls and non-binary with the computing skills they need to pursue 21st-century opportunities.

Our programs include free virtual fall opportunities for high school students. Participants learn the computer science skills they need to make an impact, gain invaluable insight into diverse tech careers, and connect with inspiring figures in the field.

Fall Self-Paced Program

Fall Self-Paced Overview:

• It is a flexible online learning computer science course for students who want to learn at their own pace and prefer not to adhere to a set schedule.

• It is offered only to select eligible students who applied for or participated in our 2024 Summer Programs. US-based students must currently be in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade (2024-2025 school year), and International students must be ages 14-18 the day the program starts (October 28, 2024).

• It contains flexible opportunities to build community through weekly live Student Hour sessions and Girls Who Code events happening every other week.

Is there a cost to attend GWC Fall Self-Paced Program?

ALL of Girls Who Code’s Fall Self-Paced Programs are 100% FREE to attend.

When does the Fall Self-Paced Program run?

Courses for the Fall Self-Paced Program will begin Monday, October 28th, 2024, and run until 12:00 PM EST Friday, December 6th, 2024, for eligible domestic US and International students.

What is the format for the Fall Self-Paced Program?

The 6-week Fall Self-Paced Program offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses across three different computer science tracks: Data Science + AI, Cybersecurity, and Web Development.

Students can choose what they want to study. You can follow our suggested learning pathways or complete courses in any order that works best for you.

What is the schedule for the Fall Self-Paced Program?

Each course and its accompanying project will take students 3-6 hours to complete. Students will earn a certificate for each completed course that can be posted on social media. Students should expect to spend 8-15 hours on a track. To be considered Self-Paced Program alumni and join the Girls Who Code Alumni Network, students need to complete at least one course and earn one certificate. However, we encourage students to complete as many courses as possible to earn as many certificates as they can in the allotted 6-week program duration.

The Fall Self-Paced Program has a loose schedule since it is meant to be completed at your own pace. However, we offer optional Student Hours hosted by Advisors for two hours on Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM EST until 8:00 PM EST through Zoom. Please note that the week of 11/25, Student Hours will be hosted on Tuesday 11/26 at the same time to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. We highly encourage students to attend weekly Student Hours when available. You will also have the option to join different Fall Self-Paced Program Events during the 6-week program. Most events will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.

Please note: Virtual events will take place on week 1, week 3, week 4, week 5 and week 6.

What are Student Hours?

Student Hours are a live opportunity for students to get additional support from their Advisors with the course content. Students may use Student Hours to get help on projects or ask lingering questions from a lesson. Students can join Student Hours independently or be invited by an Advisor members to make up missed work or get extra support. Student Hours will take place every Wednesday evening (6 PM EST) primarily through Zoom. Please note that the week of 11/25, Student Hours will be hosted on Tuesday at the same time to observe the Thanksgiving holiday.

What can I do during Student Hours?

• Work with peers and the Advisor.

• Have fun with your peers and bring your own snack.

• If you like to work alone, you can keep your camera/mic off and use the chat when needed if you have questions.

• Have a quiet space to work so that you can tune out distractions.

• The Advisor will be there to help you troubleshoot, answer any questions you might have, and clarify content.

Note: Student Hours are optional but strongly encouraged when looking for extra support.

Are there special events or engagements?

Yes! Students will have the opportunity to connect during the following events:

• Welcome & Kick Off Event 🤩

  • Tuesday, October 29th & Thursday October 31st, 7:30 - 8:30 PM EST

  • Kick off the start of your SPP journey right by joining us for some community building activities. Connect with your Advisors and community to begin building a supportive squad that will have your back throughout the program.

• Data Science & AI Workshop 🙌

  • Tuesday, November 12th, 8:00-9:00 AM EST & 7:30-8:30 PM EST

  • It seems like AI is everywhere now, but what are its capabilities? Explore the uses and limits of AI chatbots, and their possibilities in this event!

• Cybersecurity Workshop 🧑‍💻

  • Thursday, November 14th, 7:30-8:30 PM EST

  • In this event, you’ll receive a crash course on cryptography, and how it keeps our information online safe! You will practice deciphering a secret message, and create a secret message or cipher of your own!

• Discord Community Event: Game Night 👾

  • Monday, November 18th, 7:00-8:30 PM EST

  • Join the Game Night channel on Discord to play Jackbox games with your peers! There may even be a Discord-specific prize for winners!

• Leaders in Tech Talk: Critical Thinking in the Age of AI 🤖

  • Tuesday, November 19th, 7:00-8:00 PM EST

  • This Partner event will explore the ethical use of AI in academics, share strategies for leveraging AI as a learning tool, and provide guidance on fact-checking and verifying AI-generated information.

• Get Ready with GWC Workshop: Mentorship and Networking 🌐

  • Monday, November 25th, 10:00-11:00 AM EST

  • During this Partner event, you will engage in breakout room panel discussions focused on networking tips and finding mentorship opportunities.

• Fall Self-Paced Graduation 🥳

  • Tuesday, December 3rd & Thursday, December 5th, 7:30-8:30 PM EST

  • Celebrate the end of the program by reflecting on your SPP learnings! Also, learn how to continue your coding journey and stay connected to the GWC Community.

Advisor Events are an opportunity for students to engage with the curriculum deeper and build community with other students and Advisors. This Fall, we are excited to offer Partner Events, which will give students the chance to connect with professionals currently working in the tech field. More information will be shared once the program starts.

Registration will be required for all events. Instructions on how to register will be provided soon. Advisor and Partner Events are optional to attend but strongly encouraged.

I have an HQ account already. Will we use the same platform?

Yes! You will be using our in-house learning platform, HQ. If you already have an account, you will log in with the same credentials. If you have not created an account, you will do so during the orientation tasks at the start of the program.

Will we use Discord again?

Yes! You will use it to collaborate and communicate asynchronously during the program. Discord will also come in handy to get help with your projects or any questions you may have. You will be able to join the Discord prior to the start of the Fall Self-Paced Program.

What materials or other equipment do I need to participate?

Students participating in the Fall Self-Paced Program will need:

• A computer or laptop with audio and video capabilities; (*If you are borrowing a school device, you will need to request the school IT Administrator to unblock the required websites).

• Reliable internet connection.

• Access to a safe and quiet space during asynchronous and synchronous program hours.

• We strongly recommend having access to Chrome browser.

Though we suggest headphones, it is not a requirement. All program activities and projects are web-based, and students may need to stream live video calls and access emails and websites. Students do not need to download any software or pre-existing programs on their computers. During the program, you will have access to HQ, which is our learning platform, and Zoom for all virtual sessions such as events, and Student Hours. More information will be shared during the orientation tasks.

If you are using a school laptop, we can provide a registration letter to unblock your school laptop to ensure you have access to all the necessary websites during the program. Once you are accepted and fully registered, reach out to us via [email protected] so that we can provide you with a registration letter.

What websites do I need access to in order to participate?

To complete the course projects, you will need to be able to access the websites listed in this Fall Self-Paced Program Website Allow List document (Note: take a look at the Self-Paced Program links only). Please test them beforehand, especially if you use a school-provided computer. If you need to unblock your school laptop, email us ahead of time to [email protected] so that we can provide a letter of registration to present at school for unblocking purposes.

I don’t have access to technology. What should I do?

Only students with computer/laptop and wifi access are eligible for the Fall Self-Paced Program. We are unable to provide technology access during this program.

What is the attendance policy?

The Fall Self-Paced Program has no structured or regulated attendance policy as students complete it at their own pace. However, we highly recommend students attend Student Hours. Students will also need to complete all coursework by the deadline of Friday, December 6th at 12:00 PM EST.

Is the Fall Self-Paced Program considered an internship?

No. The Fall Self-Paced Program is an experiential education program. It should not be classified as an internship, as daily programmatic activities are more curricular and exploratory-centered. Students participate in computer science instruction and other optional interactive engagements.

Does Girls Who Code offer letters of recommendation?

No. Girls Who Code does not provide students with individual letters of recommendation. However, we provide each student with a certificate of completion, provided students have completed the program and adhered to our attendance policy. Additionally, we encourage students to connect with their Teaching Teams and request recommendation letters from them directly. Teachers know their students best and can provide a recommendation tailored to their specific program experience. We also advise students to establish professional networking relationships with corporate sponsors to support later in their careers. (i.e., through LinkedIn once you are 18+ years of age).

Why should I learn computer science?

You can apply the skills developed through computer science education to any field you choose to pursue in the future, including art, finance, medicine, retail, and more. It is a subject that encourages teamwork, creative problem-solving, and logical thinking — skills that can help you in your day-to-day life. These qualities also contribute to the fact that computer science majors are the highest paid in their first year after college — not a bad bonus! Why learn CS when there's generative AI, you ask? Programmers of the future will still need a strong foundation in core CS principles to use AI tools effectively. For these reasons, we hope you’ll choose to spend your Fall with us!

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

We created our Fall Self-Paced Program FAQs to answer any questions that may arise along a student’s journey before and during the program. Though you can find most answers to your questions here, we understand that additional clarification may be necessary. For any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our support team at [email protected].

Once I have completed the Fall Self-Paced Program. What can I expect now?

To be considered Fall Self-Paced Program alumni and join the Girls Who Code Alumni Network, students need ONLY to complete one course and earn one certificate. However, we encourage students to complete as many courses as possible to earn as many certificates as possible in the allotted 6-week program.

Participants who are at least 18+ years old and have completed any of our programs can access exclusive alumni benefits and career support for life, including our Hiring Summit, pre-internship programs, and GWC Talks webinars for career tips.

Join us to learn in-demand computer science skills, build your academic and career portfolio, and connect with other students and our Girls Who Code Advisors by being part of the Fall Self-Paced Program!

To stay informed about our latest programs, event, and Girls Who Code updates sign up for our newsletters.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to attend Girls Who Code's Fall Self-Paced Program?

The Fall Self-Paced Program is being offered to select students who applied for or participated in our 2024 Summer Programs. Eligible students also meet the following criteria:

• Are current 10th, 11th, or 12th grade US-based students (2024-2025 school year), or International students ages 14-18 on the first day of the program;

• Have access to both a computer/laptop and wifi;

• Identify as female or non-binary;

Can commit to completing coursework by the December 6th, 2024, program end date.

I am enrolled in school. How can I best organize my time?

The Fall Self-Paced Program allows students more flexibility to accommodate competing priorities. Student Hours are highly recommended but not required. These will take place once a week during the afternoon every Wednesday starting at 6 PM EST / 3 PM PST.

What level of computer science experience do I need for the Fall Self-Paced Program?

No prior experience with Python, Cybersecurity, or Data Science is needed to complete the program. All you need is readiness and the Girls Who Code core value of bravery to learn!

Applying

When does the Fall Self-Paced Program Application launch?

The application will open in late August! Eligible students will be notified via email on the day of the launch.

The application will be hosted in SurveyMonkey Apply as a new task in the 2024 Summer Programs Application.

What does the Fall Self-Paced Program Application process entail?

To apply, you must complete a new task in your existing 2024 Summer Programs Application located in SurveyMonkey Apply. Applicants MUST use the same SurveyMonkey Apply account used to submit their 2024 Summer Programs Application. If you are having trouble accessing your account, review these guidelines to change your account email or reset your password. If you need additional support or are unsure what email address you used to create your 2024 Summer Programs Application, please contact us at [email protected]. Do NOT register for a new SurveyMonkey Apply account, as you will not be able to access the application there.

Once logged into your existing account, you will access your 2024 Summer Programs Application to complete a new task called “Fall Self-Paced Program Application”. Students will use this form to indicate their interest in applying for the Fall Self-Paced Program. The application is brief and should take less than 5 minutes to submit!

Review a step-by-step walkthrough of the Fall Self-Paced Program Application using the images below!

Step 1: Login to SurveyMonkey Apply, you MUST use the account from your 2024 Summer Programs Application.

Step 2: Click “My Applications” in the top toolbar, then select your “2024 Summer Programs Application.”

Step 3: Click on your NEW “Fall Self-Paced Program Application” task, then complete the application questions.

Step 4: Press “Mark as Complete” to submit. Eligible applicants will receive an email confirming their application has been received. Keep an eye on your inbox to find out if you have been selected to participate in the program! (Notifications will be sent by early October.)

When is the Fall Self-Paced Program Application due?

You can apply online here. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 11th, at 11:59pm PDT.

When are students notified about their acceptance into the program?

By early October, we will notify students about acceptance to the Fall Self-Paced Program. We will send notifications via email, so please ensure you provide the correct email address when submitting your application! If you are offered a spot in the program, further information will be provided at the time of this notification about any additional steps needed to confirm your participation.

How do I withdraw my application?

If circumstances change after submitting your application and you can no longer participate, please contact us at [email protected].

Student Incentive

What is the Fall Self-Paced Program Student Incentive?

Incentives will be given throughout the program for having your camera on during events, participating in the chat at events, exhibiting GWC values in Discord, and completing coursework. The incentives may include Girls Who Code Swag, Gift Cards for Domestic students and PayPal transfers for International students 🙌. You will hear more about this during the Fall Self-Paced Program. Always make sure to check our weekly emails. Note: all incentives selection processes will be in the form of a raffle.