Girls lose interest in STEM and computer science as they get further into their education.

In middle school, 31% of girls believe that they cannot do jobs in coding and programming. In high school, this percentage rises to 40, and by college, it is 58%. In fact, only 18% of computer science bachelor’s degrees in the United States are earned by women.

Statistics from a study by Microsoft and Dr. Shalini Kesar. Image taken from Disruption.

Girls need female role models.

Girls who know a woman in a STEM field are more likely to feel empowered, know how to pursue a STEM career, and understand the role STEM plays in jobs and life, compared to girls who do not have female role models in STEM.

Image taken from Common Sense Education.

Girls should have access to hands-on experience.

Hands-on experience allows girls to get exposed to and practice their skills in computer science in the real world, outside of their classrooms. High school girls that participate in STEM-related clubs and activities are over 2.5x more likely to continue computer science in college.

Statistics from a study by Microsoft and Dr. Shalini Kesar. Image taken from The Charleston Chronicle.

Create an encouraging and supportive environment.

Encourage a “growth mindset,” which is focused on continuous learning and improvement. Failures and mistakes are normal and part of growing and questions should be encouraged.

Image taken from Code/Art.

About Me

My name is Amelia Chin and I'm a rising senior at Stuyvesant High School in New York City. I was motivated to make this website because there is a huge absence of women in computer science. I want to help combat this by connecting young girls to resources they can use to introduce themselves to the field or to further practice and hone their existing skills.