Google held this new event called Made With Code in New York City recently to spread the love for programming among the fairer sex. Given that only 18% of computer science degrees are earned by women, Google is taking steps to increase that statistic and close the gender gap in the tech industry. And for that it’s willing to plunk down $50 million. The idea behind the program is to show girls that they things around them have some element of programming in varying magnitudes and by learning programming they too can apply these skills to help with their own projects.
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The event had television personality Mindy Kaling, Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton, iLuminate creator Miral Kotb, Director of Photography at Pixar Danielle Feinberg and co-founder of UNICEF Innovation Erica Kochi along with 150 high school girls participating. The Made With Code website will offer learning resources and projects to help kids learn programming and there will be a community to discuss individual lessons and collaborate. Learn more about the project here: http://dgit.in/GMade- WithCode A 2013 report by the AAUM(American Association of University women) reported that “unsupportive classroom environments and outdated pedagogy” along with “a limited eer group” in college environments inhibit female participation in computer science education. Colleges play a massive role in getting young girls to code. Google X EVP Megan Smith explains the philosophy behind the program.
The lack of role models to look up to in the industry is one of the reasons why there is so less interest in the area. Made with code looks towards solving this problem with having an entire framework in place. And this involves having mentors from different technical vocation coming together to guide students through the program.
We’re seeing a lot of effort from a lot of institutions promoting programming among children. Just recently we had a video go viral which featured Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, Gabe Newell and Bill Gates promoting learning programming in schools. The video also featured musician will.i.am and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat basketball team.
These individuals talk about what got them into programming and how they went about getting into computer science in an effort to generate interest among today’s youth.
