Girls Who Code Comes to APL
Albany Public Library is launching the city’s first Girls Who Code club at the Delaware Branch this month. Girls in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in this free, after-school program where they’ll learn computer programming skills from professionals in the field.
Girls Who Code participants will learn programming languages, how to program, edit, and share code, as well as build websites and other related skills. A central part of their learning includes an impact project, where the girls will use computer science to solve a problem relevant to their community. The club’s teachers are graduate students from the University at Albany’s College of Engineering and Computing and a seasoned computer programmer. The Albany club will follow a curriculum established by the national organization.
The library’s Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave.) is hosting two information sessions for girls who are interested in Girls Who Code:
Space is limited and registration is required. [Update: The program is full! Please check our online calendar for other upcoming programs for all ages.]
Statistics show that while the technology sector is growing fast, women are being left behind due to a lack of interest in computer science that typically occurs between the ages of 13 and 17. According to Girls Who Code, which is a national nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, “By 2020, there will be 1.4 million jobs available in computing related fields. US graduates are on track to fill 29% of those jobs. Women are on track to fill just 3%.”
Part of Albany Public Library’s mission is to educate its community, and the Girls Who Code program falls in line with other STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) opportunities, like computer camps and robotics teams, provided at APL branches to children and teens of both genders.
“APL has a long history of teaching youth computer science and technology skills. We’re proud to bring Girls Who Code to Albany to follow that tradition. We are always looking for opportunities to teach skills our kids need to maintain an interest in STEM and pursue computer science in college and beyond,” said Scott Jarzombek, APL executive director.
After the information sessions, Girls Who Code will meet every Tuesday, starting Oct. 18, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Delaware Branch. For more information, please call the branch at 463-0254.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.