Women are drastically underrepresented in the field of Computer Science, an area that expects a large amount of job growth in the coming years. “It’s critically important to our country that we have a robust workforce in technology,” said Laurie Dillon, Professor Emeritus, Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Spartan Girls Who Code gives students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to meet on MSU’s campus once a week to learn about coding and other technology-related skills. Despite the program name, all are welcome no matter how they identify.

Technovation, a similar program, takes place at the main branch of the Capital Area District Library in Lansing. The central location makes it easier for local students from the Lansing School District to attend.

Spartan Girls Who Code and Technovation culminate in a presentation by middle school and high school students showcasing a program that they have created either in groups or by themselves.

The programs are led by computer science students from MSU, who use their own experiences to inform their teaching. The MSU student leaders gain a deeper understanding of technology by having the opportunity to teach it to others, as well as a deeper sense of community with their fellow instructors and the students enrolled in the program.

“They really build a strong bond among themselves,” said Dillon. “It’s as beneficial for the mentors—maybe even more so—as it is for the participants.”