Girls Who Code was founded by CEO Reshma Saujani with a single mission: to close the gender gap in technology. It is a nonprofit organization that aims to support and increase the number of women in computer science. The organization is not only working to close the gender employment difference in technology, as well as to change the image of what a programmer looks like. They are also building the largest pipeline of future female engineers in the United States.
Running a Girls Who Code club is an enrichment opportunity I have wanted to start in my school for a few years. Last year I applied to start a 6th-12th-grade club, but they were not taking new applicants due to the high demand. This year Girls Who Code offered the 3rd-5th grade after school club, which is so perfect since that is what I teach!
There was an overwhelmingly positive response from our families and more than 30 girls signed up for the club! In addition, we received a grant from the Awesome Education fund, a local family, allowing us to purchase three Sphero Robots!
I could not make this club happen without our district’s Library Media Specialist, Kiley Ogodogu! She is flexible with a true growth mindset and has a positive spin on everything the students do! I am lucky to work so closely with such a talented and kindhearted educator!
The girls were always focused, excited and on-task. It was a wonderful 6 weeks, and I am happy for the experience!
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