They code some really cool stuff, to be precise.
Last week I sat in on the closing ceremonies of InsideSales’ Girls Code. It’s a coding camp for daughters and grand daughters of InsideSales employees. And I’ve gotta be honest, I wish I was the daughter of one of those employees so I could attend this camp.
The girls of Girls Code learned to build actual applications that work. One attendee told me she built a voice controlled app that sends emojis, an app that I both want and need. Another spoke of a game she created, and still another said she created a digital cello.
I spoke with the director of curriculum Angela Jones and asked why this program is so loved by it’s attendees: “It brings the girls together to try out coding in a very safe environment.” Jones explains that learning to code can help girls in nearly every aspect of their lives. “The ability to think computationally is really important for the future. It helps with math, science, and writing.”
Tema Hunkin Laussen, Executive Director of the Do Good Foundation says, “Every girl needs this camp. Every child should learn how to code.” Laussen heard one of the program participants say that prior to the camp she wanted to be an eye doctor, but now hopes to be a coder. “We need to close the gender gap in this industry. The state of Utah needs a pipeline.”
Inside Sales founder and CEO David Elkington told the girls, “Girls are better at coding than boys.” He encouraged the girls to keep coding, keep programming, and come to Girls Code again next year. “Let’s make sure by the time you’re in high school you’re still coders,” he added.
Girls Code exists because InsideSales employees volunteer to spend time providing the girls with a coding education. Laussen encourages all companies in the state to follow a similar patterns of volunteer work and get involved in the Do Good Foundation. “If every company donated 1% of time, revenue, and product to any cause, Utah would be in a much better place.”
