5 Ways to Teach Girls How to Code
Almost 20 years ago, I earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. I was one of three girls. THREE! And unfortunately, the presence of girls in computer science classes hasn’t increased. Despite the gains that women have made in the workforce, current statistics show women account for only 20% of Computer Science undergraduate degrees in the US. This is so sad to me.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that computer and information technology employment will grow 15% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. On top of this, the median salary for computer and technology jobs was $97,430 in 2021 (compared to $45,760 for all occupations). That’s almost double! This is a field the women CAN and should be present in.
As a mom of two daughters, I want to encourage all girls to learn how to code. We need more of these brillant young women in computer and information technology jobs! So, to help, I’m giving you a 5 Ways to Teach Girls to Code.
#1 Code.org
Learn today, build a brighter tomorrow. | Code.org
FREE, Ages: 4-18
Why is Code.org great for girls?
It's simple: inclusivity, inspiration, and opportunity. Code.org embraces diversity and understands that every mind has the potential to shape our world. By providing a safe and supportive environment, girls can explore coding at their own pace, free from the shackles of stereotypes and biases.
Through interactive and engaging activities, Code.org sparks a fire within young girls, igniting a passion for technology that propels them forward. It nurtures their imagination, encouraging them to dream big and visualize themselves as leaders in the digital age. With female role models and success stories woven into the fabric of the curriculum, girls are inspired to believe in their abilities and reach for the stars.
Code.org has helpful video tutorials and easy, block-coding mini-lessons that include activities like “Creating Art with Code”, “Virtual Pet with Sprite Lab” and “Dance Party.” They offer multiple free courses to work through, including one specifically designed for pre-readers. Code.org makes learning code fun and requires no parent knowledge of coding!
#2 Tynker
Coding For Kids, Kids Online Coding Classes & Games | Tynker
FREE trial & Paid version, Ages: K-12
Why is Tynker great for girls?
Tynker's engaging and interactive platform captivates girls' imaginations, encouraging them to envision themselves as creators of technology. With a vast library of coding projects, games, and animations, Tynker enables girls to bring their ideas to life, fueling their passion for problem-solving.
Tynker goes beyond coding by emphasizing creativity and self-expression. It offers a rich suite of tools for girls to personalize their projects, allowing them to unleash their artistic talents and design captivating digital experiences. Whether they're creating interactive stories, building their own apps, or coding robots, Tynker nurtures their creativity and gives them a voice in the digital realm.
Tynker offers multiple themed-courses to help your daughter engage with coding. Themes include designing a candy troll, helping endangered animals, Monster High, and Barbie. There are also several courses, like “Ada’'s Adventure,” that feature female main characters! Tynker offers a free 7-day trial program and the free iPad app gives you access to a few lessons in 3 of the themed-courses. The paid version of Tynker offers 5000+ lessons and includes two one-on-one coaching sessions. While this is the only paid course on the list, it is also the only one that helps your daughter bridge the gap between block-programming and real-world programming languages, like Python. We started with Code.org and after my daughters completed the Express Course, decided to purchase Tynker’s paid plan. (NOTE: This is not a sponsored or affiliate post. These opinions are entirely my own.)
#3 CS First with Google
Coding Courses & Computer Science Curriculum - CS First
FREE, Ages: 9-14
Why is CS First great for girls?
CS First, created by Google, revolutionizes the way girls explore the wonders of computer science. Through CS First's engaging and interactive curriculum, girls embark on an exciting coding journey. With themes like storytelling, game design, and music, CS First taps into their interests and passions, making learning a fun and captivating experience. They learn to code by creating projects that reflect their unique perspectives, empowering them to become creators in the digital age.
CS First understands the importance of representation and role models. By highlighting the achievements of women in tech and showcasing diverse perspectives, the program inspires girls to envision themselves as leaders in the industry. They see firsthand that their voices matter and that they can make a significant impact on the world through technology.
Students start each lesson by watching instructional videos that introduce various computer science concepts. Similar to Code.org and Tynker, CS First uses block-style programming to get kids started programming right away. Some of the intro video lessons (like Characterization and Dialogue) feature female Google employees!
#4 Girls Who Code
FREE, Ages: Grades 3 through college
Why is Girls Who Code great for girls?
Girls Who Code stands at the forefront of a powerful movement, transforming the landscape of technology by inspiring and empowering girls. Girls Who Code understands that girls possess immense talent and potential in the tech industry. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, Girls Who Code ignites the spark of curiosity, enabling girls to explore computer science with passion and enthusiasm.
Girls Who Code goes beyond teaching technical skills. It fosters a sense of sisterhood and belonging, connecting girls with a supportive community of like-minded peers, mentors, and role models. By building these invaluable connections, girls find encouragement, mentorship, and inspiration that fuel their aspirations and help them overcome challenges along their coding journey.
Girls Who Code offers both local clubs and an online summer camp. While the local clubs accept girls as young as 3rd grade, the summer camp is geared towards students in grades 9 through 11. The camps are available in two options. The first option is a 2-week live course covering topics like Game Design and UX. The second option is a 6-week self-paced program where students can choose between web-development (with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), Python for cybersecurity, or data science.
Can’t find a Girls Who Code club near you? They also offer tutorials for activities that can be done from home.
#5 Kode with Klossy
Cost: Free, Ages 13-18
Why is Kode with Klossy great for girls?
Kode With Klossy, founded by the remarkable Karlie Kloss, stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for girls in the world of coding. This program fuels girls' passion for technology, equipping them with the skills and confidence to excel in a digital age where possibilities are limitless.
Kode With Klossy's impact extends far beyond the camps themselves. The program actively works to address the gender gap in technology by creating a ripple effect. Graduates become ambassadors, leaders, and advocates, inspiring others to pursue their passions in coding and empowering more girls to break barriers and reshape the industry.
My daughters aren’t old enough to participate in this FREE 2-week coding-intensive summer camp yet, but you can be sure we’ll be applying as soon as they are! No prior coding experience is required and in 2023 they plan to offer both in-person and online virtual offerings.
