The Gender Gap in Tech Could Shrink If Google’s “Made With Code” Initiative Has Anything to Say About It

Google’s Susan Wojcicki, CEO of Youtube, knows coding is kind of a big deal. She also knows there’s a serious gender gap in the tech field, and she wants to change that with Google’s new “Made With Code” initiative — a program to get school-aged girls coding early.

“Made With Code” is a partnership between Google, Chelsea Clinton, Mindy Kaling, the Girl Scouts of America, Girls Inc., the National Center for Women & Information Technology, MIT, TechCrunch, and Seventeen, so there’s a significant amount of steam behind it already. So what is it exactly? In a post on the Google blog, Google.org Communciations representative Kate Parker lists these key points about it:

• Blockly-based coding projects like designing a bracelet 3D printed by Shapeways, learning to create animated GIFs, or building beats for a music track.
• Video profiles of girls and women who explain how they’re using code to do what they love — in fashion, music, dance, animation, cancer research, and more.
• A resource directory for parents and girls to find more information about new local events, camps, classes, and clubs.
• Collaborations with organizations like Girl Scouts of the USA and Girls, Inc. to introduce Made with Code to girls in their networks, encouraging them to complete their first coding experience.

You can see what “Made With Code” is for yourself in this inspiring video:

On Google’s main blog Wojcicki also explained her reasons for making “Made With Code” happen, saying:

This is an issue that hits home for me. My school-age daughter instinctively knows how to play games, watch videos and chat with friends online. She understands technology. And she likes using technology. But, she never expressed any interest in creating it herself. 

So, I decided to launch a campaign at home — connecting my daughter to coding resources, increasing my encouragement and introducing her to other girls interested in computer science. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s already showing results. She recently started learning basic computer languages and using code to do projects at home. 

Today, we’re attempting to solve this issue on a much larger scale.

Lessons and activities are already online at MadeWithCode.com so if you know any young girls who could use a little code in their life check out the section for parents, teachers, and counselors. There’s even a kit for hosting a Made With Code party.

Is one and a half too young to start these coding projects?

(Google via Business Insider, image via Google)

Previously in girls in tech

• Natalie Portman teamed with Disney to get girls involved with STEM
• Sarah Rosenbach talks about being a woman in tech and has advice for girls
• GoldieBlox takes a shot at princess culture with this commercial

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