General Motors Partners with Girls Who Code to Boost Technology and Engineering Jobs

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General Motors Co. and the national non-profit Girls Who Code today announced a partnership to close the gender gap in science and technology fields by empowering young girls to pursue interests in computing, technology, and manufacturing.

Both organizations aim to combat the decline in women’s participation in technology careers, a trend recently highlighted in data compiled by Accenture and GWC. The findings reveal women’s representation in the technology workforce has decreased from 37 percent in 1995 to 24 percent today, though demand for such jobs has increased.

Through the partnership, girls from underserved communities will gain increased access to computer science education, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to work on projects with real-world application to get a feel for the impact of computing and engineering.

General Motors is providing a $250,000 grant to expand GWC’s Club programs, which provides after school activities in schools, universities, and community centers at no cost. Additionally, Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of General Motors, and Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of GWC, will host 30 students for activities focused on connectivity, autonomous vehicles, and future mobility solutions.

“Becoming an engineer paved the way for my career,” says Barra. “It’s one of the reasons I am passionate about promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education to students everywhere. Partnering with Girls Who Code is one more step in GM’s commitment to inspiring and growing diverse future leaders. I’m extremely proud that some of GM’s top female leaders will spend time with the students, teaching them about the possibilities and rewards of a STEM education.”

To find a GWC club in your area, more information can be found here.