Professionals are increasing efforts to help girls develop an interest in computer programming
When organizers of a summer camp that includes a number of disadvantaged high-school girls asked about career plans, none of the girls talked about computer programming–work that pays well and has a shortage of women.
Now five are learning basic programming and 15 are in level 2 of the 7-week program created by a national nonprofit called Girls Who Code and taught at a church near Shreveport’s airport in northwest Louisiana.
Shaniah Hutcherson, the 13-year-old daughter of a Shreveport Fire Department administrator, said in a phone interview that she’d never thought about programming before her pastor’s wife asked girls if they wanted to join.
She said she did so “just for my church” but is now thinking of majoring in computer technology.
Next page: Efforts to attract more girls to computer programming
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Latest posts by Laura Ascione (see all) - Attendance is the scoreboard–connection is the game - August 21, 2026
- Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it - July 13, 2026
- In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success - March 5, 2026
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Latest posts by Laura Ascione (see all)
- Attendance is the scoreboard–connection is the game - August 21, 2026
- Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it - July 13, 2026
- In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success - March 5, 2026