Supporting young talent is not just a matter close to our heart, it is also an important step towards creating an innovative and sustainable society. We see education and innovation as the key to successfully mastering the challenges of the future, which is why we are committed to promoting young talent this year. We are proud to support EPFL’s Coding Club for Girls.
A project with a clear vision
The Coding Club for Girls was launched by the renowned EPFL in 2018. Its aim is to get girls between the ages of 11 and 16 excited about the fascinating world of information and communication technology (ICT) and engineering. The initiative is offered in various Swiss cities in collaboration with partner institutions and has a clear mission: to increase the number of women in technical professions.
The aims of the Coding Club for Girls
The Coding Club has an ambitious vision with clearly defined aims:
- Generate enthusiasm
Programming workshops, online activities and individual coaching are designed to make it easier for girls to access ICT and to encourage their curiosity about these exciting fields. - Strengthen self-confidence
Girls should gain confidence in their abilities and be encouraged to consider career prospects in ICT and engineering. - Promote women in the ICT sector
By providing role models, discussion and mentors, the club aims to inspire and support young women in strengthening their position in the industry.
Why is the Coding Club for Girls so important?
Despite growing efforts, the number of young women who choose to study engineering or ICT remains low. The reasons for this are often deep-rooted gender stereotypes, a lack of female role models and insecurity about their own abilities. There is also a lack of targeted extracurricular opportunities to help girls get started in programming, robotics and computer science.
Even though computer science is increasingly being integrated into school curricula, initiatives like the Coding Club for Girls remain crucial. They offer girls a platform where they can try out their skills, learn from each other and be supported by experienced women in a professional environment.
National reach, big impact
Coding Club activities are offered in 15 Swiss cantons in German, French and Italian. With a reach like this, the project has the potential to not only make a difference on an individual level, but also to change Switzerland’s ICT landscape in the long term.
Our contribution
By supporting the Coding Club for Girls, we want to give more young women the courage and the opportunity to find their way into the technology industry. The young participants benefit from the support of experienced mentors who serve as role models and provide practical insights. This combination of theory and real experience is crucial to fostering lasting enthusiasm and expertise.
A step towards a fairer future
We firmly believe that diversity drives innovation. For us, the Coding Club for Girls is more than just a project – it is a step towards a fairer future without gender restrictions. We are proud to be part of this movement and we invite everyone to join us in supporting this important initiative. Together, we can break down barriers and get a new generation of women to be inspired by technology!