Family Focus

All girls coding camp hopes to boost interest in computer science jobs

WAXHAW, N.C. — Coding is one of the most in-demand skills for jobs right now but there are far 'fewer' women in computer science jobs than men.

In this class, it's no boys allowed.

This all-girls coding camp is a new idea for Waxhaw kid coders which teaches programming skills like creating animations and games with a female instructor.

Owner Ken Adelglass said a girls only session is a no brainer.

“I think parents are now starting to realize they all need to learn to code and learn about technology and how technology works,” Adelglass said.

Adelglass said coding is gaining popularity among girls because they love technology just like boys do.

“Anyone can do it, because it's just really fun and you can do a lot things with it,” 9-year-old Claire Kendrick said.

That is why 12-year-old Draven Wright has been involved in stem activities for three years.

“I think math, science and technology are very helpful.  You use it for almost everything now,” Wright said.

Campers learned how their coding skills can shape their future from a group of women who work in information technology at Lendingtree.

Although, some of the girls said coding as a career may not be their first choice.

“I really want to be a veterinarian because I really enjoy animals, but I really like learning to code,” 11-year-old Sophia Ochsner said.

One instructor, Dr. Sharon jones, said coding builds critical thinking and creativity that they'll use no matter what they do in the future.

“Whatever career they choose, having a base knowledge of being able to program is going to just take them to another level,” Jones said.

A recent study found people who earn college degrees in computer science earn 40 percent more over their lifetimes than other college graduates.

For more on the Waxhaw Kid Coders camp, click here.