Quick Summary
Minnesota State Library Services is partnering with Girls Who Code, a national non-profit working to close the gender gap in technology, to bring free computer science opportunities to elementary, middle and high school girls and boys across Minnesota.
In an increasingly technologically advanced world, the demand for computer scientists has never been higher. Computer science is a highly sought-after degree among university students, but unfortunately, there is a noticeable gender disparity in this field.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 48,840 men and 10,741 women received bachelor’s degrees in computer science from American postsecondary institutions in 2015. That means that women earned only 18% of all computer science degrees conferred that year, and the percentage is significantly smaller for women of color.
These numbers raise an important question among educators: how can we support girls, especially girls of color, who are interested in computer science?
Minnesota State Library Services is partnering with Girls Who Code, a national non-profit working to close the gender gap in technology, to bring no-cost computer science opportunities to elementary, middle and high school girls and boys across Minnesota. Girls Who Code Clubs are no-cost after school programs for girls in 3rd-5th and 6th-12th grade. The program is designed to encourage girls to pursue their interest in coding and computer science, but no one is excluded from participating, so students of any gender are welcome to participate. The goal of this program is to close the gender gap in technology by empowering girls of all backgrounds to take their interest in computer science and let it flourish, with the help of dedicated club leaders.
Any adult associated with a non-profit organization can start a club. Teachers, librarians, and non-profit staff can all apply to host a club—all you need is a classroom space to host the club and computers and an internet connection for each club member. No background knowledge about computer science is necessary; club leaders can learn about coding along with their club members.
To get started, read an overview of the club explaining the curriculum for the 3rd-5th grade and 6th-12th grade levels, and attend a Girls Who Code webinar. Once you are ready to register your club, make sure to list “Minnesota State Library Services” as your partner affiliation when asked “Is your Club affiliated with a Girls Who Code Community Partner (school districts, library systems, nonprofit organization, afterschool networks, etc.)” in order to receive partnership benefits.
If you have any questions about Girls Who Code, you can contact Leah Larson from the Minnesota State Library Services at mde.lst@state.mn.us or 651-582-8604.
