Ford Partners with Girls Who Code to Close Gender Gap in Tech & Innovation

The Ford Motor Company Fund recently announced a partnership with Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating girls and closing the gender gap in technology and STEM careers. According to GWC, tech jobs is one of the fastest growing industries; however girls are not only getting left behind, but the gender gap has been getting worse since the 80’s. The gender and diversity is simply not there so this program is a much needed addition as jobs in these fields are expected to reach 9 million by 2022. GWC teaches girls how to design websites, develop apps, fundamentals of robotics—through clubs and a summer immersion program and according to the nonprofit, 77% of girls in the immersion program changed career paths because of their experience! Girls Who Code alumnae are now majoring in Computer Science Universities across the US and also have an invitation to attend an interactive presentation at the Ford Research & Innovation Center (RIC).


With the Innovation Center being located in Palo Alto, California, it is literally in the center of the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley, where many tech firms have launched and are successful from Facebook to Paypal. The Center is committed to nurturing the tech community through partnerships like this one, which will equip girls with the skills necessary to compete in science, math, tech and engineering fields within their local industry.


Ford is getting involved by providing mentorship with employees and Ford engineers that allow them to have hands-on educational experiences at the Innovation Center for up to 180 Bay Area girls who are in grades 6th-12th. National efforts include working with high schools and colleges, founding STEM-related academies and sponsoring FIRST® Robotics teams and other programs.


Ford has spent the past 30 years in their initiative to inspire and educate students in the areas of technology and innovation and Girls Who Code is a great program to help build a new generation of future female engineers. With all that Ford is doing in the community, this is just one more reason for you to join the Ford family! If you are looking to experience the McDavid Difference, give us a call and we will be happy to get you on the road in your dream car.