Computer Science is Everything: Unlocking Opportunity for Young Women in CS and AI

By Sarah Morrison, SVP of Marketing at Code.org

Young women have been underrepresented in high school computer science (CS) classrooms for years, and the consequences extend far beyond education. According to the 2024 State of CS Report, high school girls are half as likely as their male peers to take a CS course. That means millions of young women are missing out on the skills that drive innovation in every field — from climate science to fashion, from healthcare to music production.

But the challenge isn’t ability or access. The biggest barrier is interest.

At Code.org, we’ve always believed that computer science is for everyone. And while research has long shown that many young women don’t see CS as relevant to their lives, our latest national study with YouGov is the largest yet to uncover why.

The new insight? Personal connection is the strongest predictor of whether young women see CS as important and ultimately enroll in a course. When they can relate computer science to their passions, they’re more likely to take the leap. Belonging drives participation.

This isn’t just a gap in education — it’s a gap in opportunity. And we have the power to change it for young women.

Reframing the Story: Computer Science is Everything

For too long, we’ve framed CS as a path to future job opportunities and financial success. While that resonates for some, the data is clear: for many young women, interest is sparked when they see how CS connects to what they already care about.

This isn’t about convincing them to love computer science. It’s about showing them that CS and AI are already shaping the world they love. The challenge isn’t changing girls — it’s changing the way we present computer science to them.

What if we stopped treating CS as a narrow, technical skillset and instead showed it for what it really is — an engine for creativity, innovation, and change?

• Love sports? CS powers real-time analytics, wearable technology, and game-day strategies.
• Passionate about sustainability? CS drives advancements in environmental science and climate modeling.
• Into fashion or music? CS fuels digital design, AI-generated art, and next-gen music production.

Computer science is not just for tech companies. It’s for young women who want to change the world.

Launching the “Computer Science is Everything” Campaign

That’s why today, we’re launching “Computer Science is Everything” (CSiE), a campaign designed to help young women see CS in a new light — as a tool to amplify their passions and fuel their ambitions.

Through engaging content, community-building, and hands-on learning experiences, we’re ensuring that every girl who’s ever thought, “CS isn’t for me” gets the chance to see just how deeply it’s already woven into her life.

Here’s how we’re doing it:

✅ Making CS Relatable: We’re creating engaging content that speaks directly to the interests of young women — whether it’s coding for social change, AI in fashion, or the science behind viral TikTok trends.

✅ Empowering Students with Hands-On Learning: Free, interactive resources designed to meet young women where they are — giving them the tools to explore CS in a way that feels relevant and exciting.

✅ Amplifying Communities: Pointing to spaces where young women can connect, support one another, and see that they’re not alone in their CS journey.

✅ Equipping Educators: Teachers play a critical role in shaping perceptions of CS. We’re providing resources that make it easy to integrate CS into classrooms in ways that feel meaningful to students.

✅ Showcasing Real-World Role Models: We’re spotlighting diverse young women who are using CS to drive change in industries like gaming, education, entertainment, and beyond — making CS feel more relatable and attainable.

🚀 Visit CSisEverything.org to explore the campaign, get involved, and help us spread the message.

Why This Matters — And How You Can Help

We can’t do this alone. The voices that shape young women’s perceptions of CS come from teachers, parents, school leaders, policymakers, and industry mentors.

The data is clear: When young women feel that computer science is for them, they are more likely to enroll. This shift is already happening among Black young women, thanks to intentional outreach and representation from organizations like Black Girls Code. Now, we need to ensure all young women see themselves in CS.

💡 Here’s how you can be part of this movement:

📢 Join the Conversation: Use the hashtag #CSIsEverything to share how CS connects to your interests and career. Whether you’re in sports, fashion, gaming, or science — help us show the next generation the possibilities.

👩‍🏫 Encourage Exploration: If you’re a teacher, parent, or mentor, introduce young women to resources that show them how CS intersects with their passions.

🎬 Support the Campaign: Share our videos, play them in classrooms, and direct students to CSisEverything.org for inspiration and learning tools.

👩‍💻 Become a Mentor: Representation matters. If you’re a woman in tech, your story can change someone’s future. Offer guidance, share your journey, and help a young woman see her potential in CS.

A Future Built by Everyone, for Everyone

The gender gap in CS education isn’t just a problem for the tech industry — it’s a lost opportunity for all industries. We need young women’s voices shaping the future of AI, medicine, sustainability, media, and beyond.

Computer science is everything. And the world will be better when women have an equal role in building it.

Let’s make that future happen — together.

🚀 Visit CSisEverything.org to learn more, get involved, and help us inspire the next generation of women in CS.