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What does it really mean to be a pioneer? 

In the 1800s, mathematician Ada Lovelace imagined a future where computers could do more than calculations. She wrote what is widely considered the first published computer algorithm for a machine that hadn’t even been built yet.

More than a century later, Margaret Hamilton helped pioneer the field of software engineering. She led the team that developed flight software for NASA's Apollo missions, including the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing, cementing her legacy in STEM history.

Today, on Ada Lovelace Day, we celebrate these pioneers and generations of women in STEM who remind us that big breakthroughs begin with curiosity and the courage to explore new ideas. 

You never know where your curiosity can take you. Applications are open for Spring Pathways, our free, virtual program where students in grades 9-12 can explore emerging technologies and build projects of their own. No coding experience required. Your next big idea could start here!

IN THE LOOP WITH GWC

Start a Girls Who Code Club and get a $200 gift card! 💵 In honor of International Day of the Girl, volunteers who apply to start a new 6-12th grade Girls Who Code Club between October 1-20 will be entered for a chance to receive a $200 gift card to support a project in their community. See official rules.

Support the Girls Who Code Innovation Fund 🎁 Help Girls Who Code empower more students with the education, skills, and community needed to become changemakers in tech. Your gift gives students a place to explore, create, and belong this school year and beyond. Make a gift today.

Get Your Free Cyber Emergency Kit 🧰 It's Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we've created a free Cyber Emergency Kit for parents and caregivers featuring tips from members of our Cyber Education Alliance. Download the kit at GetCyberSmart.org and help your family stay prepared.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER 20 | Clubs Facilitator Workshop: AI 🤖 | Kick off your Club year with an interactive workshop for Clubs Facilitators from Girls Who Code on Tuesday, October 20th at 5:15 PM ET. Explore new activities designed to help students become thoughtful creators and responsible users of AI, try a hands-on activity yourself, and connect with fellow Clubs facilitators. 

OCTOBER 22 | Practice Your Speed Networking 🤝 | Build your networking confidence on Thursday, October 22nd at 6 PM ET during a fast-paced virtual event with professionals and peers. Practice your elevator pitch, strengthen your informational interview questions, and make connections that can support your next steps in tech.

NOVEMBER 5 | Avoiding Fakes in the Job Search 🔍 | Navigate your job search safely and confidently on Thursday, November 5th at 6 PM ET. Learn how to spot common signs of fake job listings, practice cybersecurity best practices for searching online, and find opportunities that align with your interests and career goals.

THE LATEST BUZZ

MEET THE INVENTOR PRESERVING INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES 🌍 Indigenous inventor Danielle Boyer is making technology more accessible while helping preserve her community’s language. Her creation, SkoBot, is a wearable robot that teaches children through interactive conversations. Named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in AI in 2026, she's showing how innovation can help communities preserve their culture for future generations.

THIS TRIO IS USING AI TO MAKE THE INTERNET SAFER 🔐 Three 17-year-old students from North Macedonia are tackling online safety with Digital Guardian, an AI-powered platform that helps people understand how information they share online could put their privacy at risk. Their innovation took first place at the SheSafe Online hackathon, where young innovators developed tech solutions to help protect women and girls from online violence.