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Some students at East Stroudsburg University are aiming to close the gender gap in technology for girls (and women) of all ages, particularly in the area of computer science. Members of ESU’s Girls Who Code Club is inviting girls in grades six through 12 who are interested in computer science to join them for an opportunity to learn more about what it takes to build a career in this field.

“According to the Girls Who Code website (girlswhocode.com), only one in five computer science graduates are women, despite the fact that tech jobs are among the fastest growing in the country.” says Dr. Eun-Joo Lee, a professor in ESU’s computer science department and advisor to the Girls Who Code Club. “At ESU, we want to introduce young women to computer science early on because we believe they will find the challenge rewarding. The great thing about the Girls Who Code Club is that it is able to accommodate all levels of experience within the computer science field. We encourage and welcome beginners who are eager to learn more about coding and computer science.”

ESU’s Girls Who Code Club is comprised of about eight members, most of whom are computer science majors and help as instructors within the club. Club members participate in fun online coding tutorials, build community through interactive activities, and learn about inspiring role models in the field of computer science. This year, club members will also work together to design and build a Girls Who Code Project that solves a real world problem through code.

ESU’s Girls Who Code Club begins on Friday, February 8 and is taking on new members through Friday, February 22. The club meets each Friday through May 3 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 355 of the Warren E. ’55 and Sandra Hoeffner Science and Technology Center. For details about the membership or club activities, contact Justin Seda at jseda1@live.esu.edu, Melissa Schneider at mschneide8@live.esu.edu or their Girls Who Code e-mail at gwcode123@gmail.com. For more information about the Girls Who Code movement, visit girlswhocode.com.