Two new grant programs would be established under the National Science Foundation (NSF) to encourage young girls to pursue careers in computer science under bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on Tuesday.
The Code Like a Girl Act would establish a research grant to explore factors that contribute to young girls deciding whether to take part in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities. The measure would also establish a grant program designed to test scalable models for pre-K and elementary classrooms that aim to increase female participation in computer science at a young age.
“The tech industry provides so many opportunities for students and workers to pursue great jobs and really play a role in shaping and driving our economy,” Capito said. “Unfortunately, despite the progress made in recent years, girls and women remain seriously underrepresented in STEM classrooms and professions. The Code Like a Girl Act will help more young women see the opportunities available to them through computer science and other STEM fields, helping them realize at an early age their incredible potential and empowering them to follow their dreams.”
Capito introduced the bill with bipartisan support from U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) introduced a House version of the bill with U.S. Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
“It is important that all young girls understand and believe that they can excel in all fields of science, technology and math,” Erica Propst, the principal of Rosemont Elementary in Berkeley County, West Virginia, said. “Exposure and encouragement at an early age can lead young girls to pursue future interests in computer science and programming and foster a desire for high level education and employment.”
Megan Bullock, the co-founder of MESH Design and Development in Charleston, West Virginia, cited research indicating that women currently account for just a quarter of America’s tech workforce.
“The Code Like a Girl Act empowers young women to be the builders and leaders of our future by closing the gender gap and encouraging girls to bring their creativity and empathy into the fields of science and technology,” Bullock said.