Posted by Grace

Why its important to have Girls in Tech + Ressources

Why It Matters to Support Girls in Tech

I only encountered a tech class once in a Grade 10 elective. Between limited elective space and outdated course offerings, it felt like tech was “too hard” or “not for me.” That under-exposure creates a cycle: if girls don’t see or try tech early, many won’t see themselves in it later. We can change that—by expanding access, normalizing early exploration, and building supportive pathways.

What Gets in the Way

  • Limited access and timing: Few electives, late exposure, or no local clubs.
  • Myths and stereotypes: “You have to be a math genius,” “I started too late,” or “I won’t fit in.”
  • Few visible role models: It’s harder to be what you can’t see.
  • Belonging & culture: Unwelcoming environments push talented girls out before they start.
  • Cost & logistics: Fees, transport, devices, or care responsibilities can shut the door.

What Works

  • Early, hands-on exposure: Scratch, micro:bit, simple websites, robotics—start small and build.
  • Projects with purpose: Apps or data stories that solve real community problems.
  • Mentors and near-peers: Regular guidance from women in tech and older students.
  • Communities of practice: Clubs, hackathons, and showcases that celebrate progress.
  • Inclusive classrooms: Clear norms, mixed teams, and growth mindset feedback.
  • Paid pathways: Scholarships, stipends, internships, and apprenticeships that remove barriers.

How You Can Help

For schools & boards

  • Offer intro CS every term; embed computing across subjects.
  • Fund clubs, devices, and teacher training especially in under-resourced schools.
  • Showcase student work; invite women technologists to mentor and judge.

For parents & caregivers

  • Make tech normal at home: simple projects, shared build time, library makerspaces.
  • Help pick a first project with meaning (site for a team, data viz for a cause, hardware kit).

For students

  • Start with one skill (HTML/CSS, Python, Scratch, data) and ship a tiny project this week.
  • Join a club or online cohort; ask for a mentor; enter one hackathon or challenge.
  • Keep a portfolio (GitHub/website) and reflect on what you learned—not just what “worked.”

For allies & companies

  • Host office hours, job-shadow days, and beginner-friendly internships.
  • Sponsor clubs/summer programs; provide equipment and transportation stipends.
  • Train mentors; measure inclusion; reward teams that grow early-talent pipelines.

Organizations & Resources to Explore

This curated list from Allie K. Miller includes 50+ programs that support girls in tech (many free): View the full list.

More reputable organizations and programs:

Tip: Pair any of the above with free foundations (e.g., Khan Academy Computing) and a simple portfolio site to track progress.

Final Thought

Talent is everywhere; access is not. When girls see tech early, build with purpose, and feel they belong, they don’t just enter the field—they reshape it. Let’s keep opening doors.

Girls in tech graphic
Early exposure + community + mentors = momentum.
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