Downers Grove Library Seeks 'Girls Who Code' Applicants

Submitted by the Downers Grove Public Library.

The national nonprofit organization Girls Who Code is working to inspire, educate, and equip girls with the skills needed to pursue careers in computer science.

The Downers Grove Public Library is joining their movement by hosting a Girls Who Code Club at the library beginning Jan. 2016.

In middle school, 74 percent of girls express interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), but when choosing a college major, just 0.4 percent of high school girls select computer science.

Participation in the library’s Girls Who Code Club will expose girls in grades 6 - 12 to programming fundamentals, website coding, and mobile app development. Guest speakers, mentors, and leaders in computer science will instruct the curriculum.

Those selected will meet at the library on Wednesdays, Jan. 13 - June 2, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.Over the 20-week course, they will explore a wide range of computing skills and concepts through different activities taught by local software developer Elizabeth Patterman.

No experience necessary! Apply at dglibrary.org/GWC by Dec. 4. Email Deb at dwischmeyer@dglibrary.org with questions. See more about the Girls Who Code initiative at girlswhocode.com.