At ParadoxLabs, we are well aware of the documented problems revealing a lack of women and girls in computer science. This is not a new problem, as a matter of fact, back in the eighties marketing for personal computers was geared toward boys because it was more likely they would pursue careers in technology, engineering and graphic arts. U.S. News reports that approximately 37% of computer science undergraduate degrees were awarded to women in 1984; that number decreased to 18% in 2014. It’s estimated only one in every four schools in the U.S. teaches coding, even though 56% of teachers think it should be mandatory.

Furthermore, according to STEM Ready America: Inspiring and Preparing Students for Success with Afterschool and Summer Learning.

• By 2018, there will be 1.4 million American computing job openings, but only 29% of those are expected to be filled by U.S. graduates.
• 75% of Nobel Prize winners in the sciences report that their passion for science was sparked in a non-school setting.
• Only 19% of households have children enrolled in out-of-school STEM programs.
• Youth that regularly participate in high-quality out-of-school time programs: have fewer absences, have better behavior, and get higher grades.
• Worker in STEM occupations earn 26% higher wages than non-STEM workers.
• Employment of mathematicians is expected to grow by 22% between 2008-2018, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• 75% of students talented in science and math decide not to pursue STEM in college.

These staggering statistics, and even the general knowledge that there’s an issue, can be overwhelming. However, there is a way to help fix this problem through STEM
What is STEM?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives. Engineering encompasses a broad range including design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures. Mathematics is in every occupation, every activity we do in our lives. By exposing girls to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for it and hopefully pursue a job in a STEM field.

Why STEM?

According to the National Science Foundation:
In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.

Who benefits from STEM?

STEM education helps to bridge the ethnic and gender gaps sometimes found in math and science fields. Initiatives have been established to increase the roles of women and minorities in STEM-related fields. STEM education breaks the traditional gender roles. To compete in a global economy, STEM education and careers must be a national priority. Each decision made uses an aspect of STEM to understand the implications.

How we plan to make a difference

Our initial involvement with STEM began as we learned about the Girls Code Club presented by The Lancaster Science Factory. After researching and learning about the program, we found it was a perfect match for our community outreach as it would allow us to empower girls and pave the road to them becoming the next generation of computer scientists.

The Girls Code Club is for girl aged 8-13. The monthly meetup allows girls to learn computer science concepts and coding applications. In addition, girls will learn to design their own website, video game, or computer program based on their individual interests.

Our goal is to help remove the barriers that prevent girls from getting into coding. Sadly, we live in a world that persistently ignores and discourages girls’ abilities in computer science, and the lack of access to tools and education, play influential roles. Research shows that for the girl who thinks coding is scary, after 30 minutes of doing it and making something, she immediately has a change of heart in terms of her interest level.

We want to empower girls and help them develop skills like communication, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and data analysis to ensure future generations of programmers are female friendly!

Become a role model

Addressing the issue of girls and coding in our community doesn’t require you to start your own nonprofit or advocacy organization. In fact, you can start very small, like choosing to empower a girl you know by tackling everyday stereotypes. Simply removing our own unconscious bias on how we treat boys and girls in terms of their abilities to build and create is an important first step.

Take time to figure out where your skills and experience could help the most. For example, if you’re a woman working in a STEM field, think of ways you might be able to inspire girls with your own story, showing firsthand that it can be done.

Supporting the next generation of women with educational programs like the Girls Code Club is a great place to begin effecting positive change. Now, more girls in Lancaster are getting the educational support they need to confidently pursue their interest in tech.

We believe that by removing fear and giving girls the ability to create what they thought was impossible, is the first step to making their dreams come true.

Want to get involved or register a student?

Visit the Lancaster Science Factory to see how you can help support the Girls Code Club by volunteering, donating, or sponsorship!

Click Here