About

Girls Who Code focuses on closing the gender gap in technology by teaching coding skills to young women. They offer free summer programs and after-school clubs that create a welcoming environment for teenage girls to learn coding. Their programs include over 8,500 clubs and summer immersion experiences worldwide, designed to make coding engaging and accessible. Unlike many organizations, Girls Who Code emphasizes collaboration with schools and corporations to deliver their programs, often supported by sponsorships from major companies. Their goal is to change perceptions of who can be a programmer and to build a strong pipeline of future female engineers.

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

• Collaborations with major corporations and foundations provide significant financial support and visibility, enhancing the organization's ability to expand its reach and impact.
• Recognition and awards, such as the Power of Radiance Award to founder Reshma Saujani, bolster the organization's credibility and attract further support.
• The organization's programs have a proven track record, with alumni being seven times more likely to pursue computer science degrees than the national average.

What critics are saying

• Dependence on sponsorships and partnerships for funding could lead to financial instability if these sources diminish.
• The competitive landscape of nonprofit organizations in the education and technology sectors may make it challenging to maintain and grow their unique position.

What makes Girls Who Code unique

• Girls Who Code focuses exclusively on closing the gender gap in technology by empowering young women with coding skills, unlike broader STEM initiatives.
• Their extensive network of over 8,500 programs worldwide, including clubs and summer immersion programs, provides a unique and large-scale approach to engaging young women in tech.
• The organization leverages high-profile partnerships and sponsorships, such as with Olay and New York Life Investments, to fund their free educational programs, setting them apart from other nonprofits.