More than 500 young women across Ontario will have an opportunity to find out more about the exciting world of coding and software development, and discover opportunities in computing and engineering fields. This is part of an Ontario Network of Women in Engineering (ONWiE) initiative to raise awareness amongst youth about computer and software engineering professions.

The girls, in Grades 9 to 11, will have a chance to discover firsthand what software development and coding is all about at eight different ONWiE members’ locations across Ontario in February and March. This event is part of a provincial initiative to ignite interest in software and computer engineering at a time when young girls are thinking about their future careers and are choosing the courses that will prepare them for further education. McMaster University is holding Go Code Girl on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration Link: http://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/ecomm/alumni/gocodegirl

“Today, software forms the backbone of our interconnected and digital world. This event is meant to expose these talented and smart girls to coding and teach them the fundamentals of coding.   Learning to code can lead to increased digital confidence, a different way of thinking about problems and the ability to understand and use technology to help develop creative solutions in almost any discipline” said Mary Wells, Chair of ONWiE.

Go CODE Girl will educate, inspire and equip girls with the digital skills, confidence and resources needed to pursue education in technology, computing and engineering.  Careers in technology, computing and engineering are the fastest growing industry.

Participants must have pre-registered. More information can be found at http://www.onwie.ca/programs/go-code-girl or http://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/engalumni/women_in_eng/go_code_girl.html.

ONWiE was formed in 2005 between all the schools and faculties of engineering across Ontario. The objective of this network is to work collaboratively to support current female engineers, students, and encourage the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering. ONWiE offers many other outreach programs for girls and young women to learn about the important work engineers do including our well known Go ENG Girl program which have been running for the past 10 years.