CHATTANOOGA —100 Girls of Code, a program of the Tennessee Code Academy, will conduct workshops across Tennessee to raise awareness among girls ages 12-18 about careers in computer science this summer. The South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance will host the one-day workshop in Spring Hill Tuesday.
The summer program — sponsored by Tennessee Tech University and Launch Tennessee — will help girls garner interest in computer programming, web development, gaming and computer applications. According to the U.S. Labor Department, only 12 percent of employees in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are women.
The 100 Girls of Code workshops will include an introduction into computer programming, a tutorial of the latest website development techniques and a start at the most innovative gaming development strategies — all taught by two female programmers. Lunch will also be provided. Only 25 slots are available.
“Educators and workforce development professionals are beginning to realize the need for these skill sets,” said Sammy Lowdermilk, program director of TN Code Academy. “Our efforts in Tennessee are to get not only females, but also all youth interested in the computer sciences.”