Girls Who Code: Building the Future Workforce by Closing the Gender Gap in Technology

In today’s digital economy, technology skills are no longer optional they are foundational. Yet, despite the explosive growth of the tech industry, women and girls remain significantly underrepresented in computing and engineering roles. Girls Who Code has emerged as one of the most influential organizations addressing this imbalance, transforming how young women access technology education and career opportunities.

A Mission-Driven Tech Education Organization

Founded in 2012, Girls Who Code is a global nonprofit organization focused on closing the gender gap in technology. The organization provides free and accessible programs designed to teach coding, computer science, and emerging technologies to girls, young women, and nonbinary individuals.

Operating at the intersection of education, workforce development, and social impact, Girls Who Code prepares students not only with technical skills but also with confidence, leadership abilities, and career readiness  critical assets in the modern business landscape.

Programs Designed for Scale and Impact

Girls Who Code delivers impact through multiple structured programs tailored to different age groups and learning stages:

• Clubs Program: After-school and community-based coding clubs for students in grades 3–12
  
  
• Summer Immersion Programs: Virtual learning experiences for high school students focused on real-world tech applications
  
  
• College & Career Programs: Career preparation, mentorship, and leadership development for young adults aged 18–25
  
  
• AI & Emerging Technology Curriculum: Training in artificial intelligence, data science, and applied problem-solving
  
  

These programs are designed to be inclusive, scalable, and aligned with real industry needs, helping participants transition from learning to long-term careers in technology.

Founder’s Vision and Business Leadership

The organization was founded by Reshma Saujani, who identified the gender gap in computer science education while working in public service. Her vision extended beyond teaching coding  it focused on changing cultural norms, redefining leadership, and ensuring that women are not left behind in the digital economy.

Under her leadership, Girls Who Code evolved from a small pilot initiative into a globally recognized nonprofit that has reached hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. Saujani’s emphasis on bravery, resilience, and systemic change helped position the organization as both an educational platform and a thought leader in workforce equity.

Strong Governance and Continued Growth

As the organization matured, leadership transitioned to ensure long-term sustainability. Girls Who Code is currently led by Dr. Tarika Barrett, an experienced education and nonprofit executive, who oversees operations, partnerships, and global expansion.

This leadership structure allows Girls Who Code to operate with the discipline of a modern organization  balancing mission impact, funding partnerships, curriculum development, and measurable outcomes.

Business and Industry Impact

From a business perspective, Girls Who Code plays a critical role in strengthening the future talent pipeline. Its alumni are significantly more likely to pursue degrees and careers in computer science compared to national averages.

By working with corporate partners, educators, and policymakers, the organization supports:

• Workforce diversity and inclusion goals
  
  
• Long-term innovation through diverse talent
  
  
• Early exposure to high-growth technology careers
  
  
• Ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies
  
  

Girls Who Code demonstrates how nonprofit organizations can operate with business-level strategy while delivering large-scale social impact.

The Road Ahead

As artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation reshape global industries, the demand for skilled and diverse talent will only grow. Girls Who Code stands at the forefront of this shift, equipping the next generation with the skills, confidence, and opportunity to lead.

By aligning education with industry needs and equity with innovation, Girls Who Code has positioned itself not just as a nonprofit, but as a strategic force shaping the future of technology and business.