Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP)

Program Type: Educational partnership with Girls Who Code

Geographic Scope: United States and international (ages 14-18)

Focus Areas:

• Computer science and coding education
• Gender diversity in STEM fields
• Technical skills development
• Career pathway exploration in technology
• Mentorship from industry leaders

Eligibility:

• US high school students in grades 9-11
• International students ages 14-18
• Preference for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds
• Women and nonbinary students

Program Duration: Two weeks (typically held in July)

What's Included:

• Hands-on coding instruction (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UX design, game development)
• Mentorship from women in STEM and industry leaders
• Career exploration sessions and networking opportunities
• Panel discussions on topics including AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and tech policy
• Project-based learning and final showcase
• Connection to role models in tech industry
• Introduction to game design
• Exposure to diverse career pathways in software and technology

Participants by Year:

• 2025: 60+ students from across the United States
• 2023: 61 high school students from 17 states (DC-based)
• 2022: Virtual classes for high schoolers across the country
• 2021: Expanded to virtual format to reach students nationwide

Key Partners & Guest Speakers:

• Microsoft, Salesforce, Mastercard, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic
• SAP, IBM, Oracle, Adobe, Autodesk
• US Senators and Representatives (Senator Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan)
• White House Office of Science and Technology Policy officials
• BSA Foundation leadership and software industry executives

Background:

• 11th annual partnership as of 2025
• Part of Software.org's commitment to closing the gender gap in technology
• Women comprise only 35% of US STEM workforce
• Women of color comprise less than 10% of STEM workforce
• Only 30% of game design industry workers are women
• Program addresses workforce diversity in STEM fields

How to Apply

For Students:

1. Visit the application portal at software.org/girlswhocode
2. Complete the online application form
3. Submit application before the deadline

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a US high school student in grades 9-11, OR
• International student ages 14-18
• No specific GPA or prior coding experience required
• Students from underrepresented backgrounds and rural/underserved areas encouraged to apply

Supporting Organizations & Partners:
Organizations interested in sponsoring or collaborating to expand access to STEM education should contact info@software.org

Additional Resources:

• Share opportunity with eligible students, educators, and communities
• No specific information provided about required materials or essay questions
• Internet access and computer access challenges: applicants can request support