Posted: Tue, 03/08/2022 - 1:46 pm EST
Code.org has a page on how to inspire girls to pursue computer science.
The tip that stood out to me while reading it was the first one: "Take a moment out of each day to tell a female student that you think she’d be great at CS."
This is how I got my start with computer science as an adult! Someone in my life said something like, "Rebekah--we need someone to teach AP Computer Science Principles and I think you would be great at it." I was unsure, but I had great respect and trust for the person who said this to me, so I agreed. And now, 5 years later, I have learned some JavaScript, Java, HTML, and more. I enjoy coding and I feel like I actually am great at teaching it. I have lived up to the vision someone else had for me and made it my own. Now that I've had that experience, I can see the power in us encouraging other girls and women in the same way.
So today, on International Women's Day and every day, find a female student that you think could be great at CS and encourage her to try it! It could change her life!