For nearly a decade, the computer programming class next door had a glaring absence—girls. In all those years, only one female student ever stepped into that classroom. A deeper look revealed this wasn’t an isolated issue; it reflected a national trend. According to a New York Times article, “Where The Girls Aren’t,” in 2001, over 19,000 boys took the Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science exam compared to just over 2,400 girls.
This imbalance is particularly striking when compared to mathematics. Thirty years ago, seeing two or three girls in an AP Calculus class was common; today, nearly 50% of AP Calculus students are female. This progress didn’t happen by chance—it required focused efforts and long-term strategies to create equitable opportunities for women in math.
But when it comes to technology, the story is different. Despite the pervasive use of computers in classrooms, workplaces, and homes, the participation of women in tech-related courses and careers has actually declined over the past 20 years.
Understanding the Challenge
The issue isn’t about aptitude—it’s about experience. Girls often find themselves at a disadvantage when entering tech classrooms because they lack the exposure and confidence many boys have gained through early experiences with robotics, coding, or building computers.
Take Maya, for instance. As the only girl in her Java programming class, she felt out of place. Many of her male peers already had experience with programming or spent class time bonding with the teacher over video game strategies. For Maya, the experience was isolating and frustrating.
Her story changed when a teacher recognized her potential and invited her to participate in a Tech Savvy Girls summer camp. For a week, Maya worked alongside other girls in a supportive environment, exploring coding and other technologies. She learned, grew confident, and felt capable. By the time she returned to school, she enrolled in programming with a newfound perspective. Without that camp, Maya admitted, she might never have considered pursuing technology at all.
Strategies for Supporting Girls in Tech
Educators have a unique opportunity to help close the gender gap in technology. Here are some actionable strategies:
- Integrate Technology Across the Curriculum
If girls aren’t signing up for computer programming classes, bring the technology to them. Incorporating tech projects into subjects like English, art, and science allows all students to build foundational skills. - Offer Girls-Only Opportunities
Programs like Tech Savvy Girls provide safe and encouraging environments for girls to experiment with technology. Camps, workshops, and clubs designed specifically for young women help address the experience gap while fostering confidence. - Highlight Inspiring Role Models
Representation matters. Sharing stories of women thriving in tech—software engineers, game developers, and data scientists—can inspire girls to see themselves in these careers. - Create an Inclusive Classroom Culture
Ensure your classroom is welcoming for all students. Encourage collaboration, provide equitable opportunities to participate, and address unconscious biases that may discourage girls from engaging fully. - Close the Experience Gap
Incorporate activities that level the playing field for students with varying levels of prior exposure. Introduce technology basics early and provide hands-on opportunities for all students to gain confidence.
A Call to Action
The success of young women in mathematics shows that systemic change is possible. By applying similar strategies to technology, educators can break down barriers and help girls build the confidence and experience they need to succeed in high-tech fields.
Let’s make sure the next generation of girls feels empowered to explore and excel in technology. After all, innovation thrives when everyone has a seat at the table.