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Girls Who Code

Free

Closing the gender gap in technology through free computer science education and community.

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Company
Girls Who Code

About Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. It provides free computer science education, AI curriculum, and emerging technology training to girls, women, and nonbinary individuals. With over 860,000 participants served and 425,000 alumni, the organization offers programs such as Clubs for 3rd-12th graders, Pathways for high school students, Summer Programs in AI and data science, and the interactive GWC Girls coding game. Its alumni major in computer science at five times the national average, demonstrating measurable impact.

Key Features

Clubs program for 3rd-12th graders reaching 200,000 students
Pathways program for high school students in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging tech
AI and Emerging Technologies curriculum with courses in AI, data science, climate change, financial literacy, and music production
GWC Girls game that empowers users to code and customize diverse characters
Summer Programs in AI and data science (over 10,000 students taught)
College Loops and Virtual Mentoring for alumni
Newsletter with tech stories and insights from CEO
Industry partnerships offering interactive events and mentorship

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free programs specifically designed for girls, women, and nonbinary individuals
  • Served over 860,000 participants with proven impact (alumni CS major rate 5x national average)
  • Comprehensive curriculum covering traditional coding, AI, and emerging technologies
  • Strong industry partnerships provide real-world mentorship and exposure
  • Large alumni network of 425,000 individuals for continued support
Cons
  • Programs are limited to female and nonbinary participants, excluding cisgender males
  • May require application and commitment to structured programs
  • Not a standalone software tool; learning is delivered through programs and courses

Best For

Learning computer science fundamentals through self-paced or guided clubsExploring AI and data science applications in real-world contextsPreparing for college and careers in technology fieldsBuilding community and mentorship among peers and tech professionalsCreating inclusive tech role models through character coding and storytelling

FAQ

What is Girls Who Code?
Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology by teaching computer science, AI, and emerging technologies to girls, women, and nonbinary individuals.
Who can participate in Girls Who Code programs?
Programs are open to girls, women, and nonbinary individuals. Specific programs target 3rd-12th graders (Clubs), high school students (Pathways), and college-aged individuals (College Loops, Virtual Mentoring, Summer Programs).
Are Girls Who Code programs free?
Yes, all Girls Who Code programs are free for participants, supported by sponsorships and donations from companies and foundations.
What is the GWC Girls game?
GWC Girls is a gaming experience that lets users code and customize characters with diverse body types, skin tones, facial features, hair styles, outfits, and personality traits.