Girls Code Lincoln

Girls Code Lincoln wants children to feel inspired, included, and welcome in all tech spaces in Nebraska. By offering a coding club exclusively for girls and non-cis-male children, Girls Code Lincoln is breaking new ground and challenging traditional gender norms in tech. The club provides a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard, celebrated, and empowered. It equips participants with technical skills and cultivates a supportive network and community of like-minded individuals who can inspire and uplift one another. This innovative approach has the potential to reshape the tech space by promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their gender or identity.

In 2023, there is a significant gender gap in STEM, with only 24% of the STEM workforce in the United States identifying as women. Additionally, midwest states, like Nebraska, struggle with tech talent retention and development. This disparity results in less diverse workplaces, which is also a driver of talent loss in our communities. One of the ways to address this lack of diversity is to change how the next generation thinks about careers in technology.  We know children as young as six begin believing in stereotypes about boys being more interested in technology. Girls, and other children who don’t identify as boys, tend to lose interest in STEM as they get older and many of them do not believe that STEM careers are achievable for them. By giving them a seat at the table as early as 4th grade, Girls Code Lincoln nurtures their interest and empowers them to explore their potential. We give girls, and children of other underrepresented genders, a safe place to ask questions and be themselves while learning to code. Whether or not they stay in technology - we give them a seat at the table. Providing girls with resources and opportunities to delve into STEM and coding can unlock a world of possibilities for them in their careers and everyday lives. These skills benefit them, our community, and the future of technology.

References:

1. Gender Stereotypes: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2100030118

2. The Gender Gap in STEM: https://professionalprograms.mit.edu/blog/leadership/the-gender-gap-in-stem

3. Why do girls lose interest in STEM? New research has some answers — and what we can do about it: https://news.microsoft.com/features/why-do-girls-lose-interest-in-stem-new-research-has-some-answers-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/

Girls Code Lincoln creates opportunities for girls, and children of other underrepresented genders, in 4th-9th grades to explore technology and coding by hosting accessible and engaging clubs and events on different STEM topics. The core of Girls Code Lincoln is our weekly Sunday afternoon clubs throughout the academic year. Our volunteers use our custom curriculum in the sessions to introduce girls to technology and teach them how to code and build websites, games, and small applications. 

Through this, we teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and encourage creativity, leadership, and social skills. In addition to these sessions, the girls are introduced to role models who are working in technology-related fields. We have many volunteers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the flagship public university of our state, who help teach the technology and coding concepts and introduce the girls to different research areas and career paths they can take if they pursue STEM. We bring speakers from universities and industry to talk about their projects and experiences. 

The club also does two field trips each semester to local tech companies or research laboratories, to allow our students to observe firsthand how the tech industry functions and what types of positions exist. By exposing them to those diverse companies and individuals, we aim to broaden their perspective and inspire them to envision themselves as part of the tech community in the future. The possibilities and the career paths we present to the girls help encourage them to maintain their interest in technology as they get older, gain confidence and ambition, and see themselves as scientists, researchers, and programmers. They can witness and get inspired by the tangible outcomes of their potential, and consider pursuing STEM careers in the future.

We serve late-elementary and middle school students in the Lincoln, Nebraska area with the goal of showing them they have a place in math, science, and technology. The other outcome of this goal is to deepen the talent pool in the Midwest by inspiring an under-utlized demographic: young women and other non cis-male genders. The overwhelming majority of our board members and volunteers live in Lincoln, work in a technology related field, and many are parents in our community. Everyday we see the need for the work we do when we walk into rooms that are predominantly male and white. Many of us struggle to hire tech talent in the area. Our children feel the lack of tech-education opportunities for them in our area. Girls Code Lincoln aims to strengthen our community by reflecting on the daily challenges and striving to be the solution. 

It’s also critical to note that Girls Code Lincoln clubs are free. We select club locations and schools to serve our diverse community, regardless of their socioeconomic status or financial situation. 

Only about half of the elementary and middle schools in the Lincoln Public School system have a devoted computer science teacher and there is a notable lack of coding schools or courses available to young children in our area.

Girls Code Lincoln is uniquely positioned to serve the tech community in Lincoln, Nebraska due to several key factors. First, the organization benefits from the active involvement of many volunteers and leaders who are parents themselves. This parental perspective ensures a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the girls involved in the program. Additionally, Girls Code Lincoln strongly emphasizes soliciting feedback from both students and parents, actively incorporating their input into the decision-making process regarding club activities and initiatives. This commitment to community engagement ensures that the organization remains responsive to its participants' evolving needs and interests. Furthermore, Girls Code Lincoln boasts a board of community representatives who provide valuable guidance and support. The inclusion of these representatives fosters a collaborative approach to programming and ensures that the organization remains connected to the broader tech community in Lincoln. 

The success of Girls Code Lincoln is exemplified by the accomplishments of its program graduates. One graduate has not only joined the organization's board, bringing firsthand experience and insights, but another has taken the initiative to start a Girls Who Code club at her high school. These achievements demonstrate the organization's ability to inspire and empower young women to become future leaders in the tech industry while simultaneously expanding its reach and impact within the local community.

Girls Code Lincoln has made a significant impact on the Lincoln, Nebraska community by serving a large number of individuals. With over 20 multi-week clubs completed, the organization has successfully provided valuable learning experiences to numerous girls. Through these clubs and additional workshops, Girls Code Lincoln has reached and positively impacted over 250 young people in the community. This impressive reach is further reinforced by the fact that 72% of the participants choose to return for two or more semesters, indicating the program's effectiveness and value. Such high rates of returning participants highlight the organization's ability to foster a supportive and engaging environment that encourages continued growth and learning. 

The success of Girls Code Lincoln would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of its volunteers, who number over 50. Their commitment and support play a crucial role in empowering the girls and ensuring the continued success of the organization's mission.

Girls Code Lincoln (GCL) has hit a remarkable milestone in terms of reach and longevity. Hosting and running the weekly clubs, with original curriculum, is a massive undertaking for an all-volunteer-run organization. To ensure the future stability of the organization and our educational quality, the board believes that Girls Code Lincoln is ready to hire our first employee, an Executive Director. 

Girls Code Lincoln can centralize its leadership and streamline its operations by having a dedicated executive director, ensuring efficient management and strategic decision-making. This shift allows the organization to approach the problem of empowering girls in the tech industry in a more comprehensive and sustainable way.

The executive director will bring expertise and experience in nonprofit management, allowing Girls Code Lincoln to implement best practices and optimize its programs and initiatives. This professional leadership will enable the organization to scale its impact and reach even more girls in the Lincoln community. With the executive director overseeing day-to-day operations, the board members and volunteers can focus on their respective roles, ensuring smooth collaboration and efficient use of resources.

This individual will manage:

• Club operations, including: facility management, registration, parent communications, and volunteer recruitment and management. They will attend the club every week as the director, overseeing the sessions.

• Fundraising and fund development for Girls Code Lincoln

• Curriculum development, including finding curriculum writers, managing existing pieces of curriculum, and evaluating curriculum. They need not be advanced or expert coders but should have some measure of understanding of the basic work. 

• Public relations, communication, and social media on behalf of GCL. 

• In sum, this person will take the volunteer roles of Director of Clubs and Director of Volunteers and support curriculum writers and the board of directors. They will report directly to the board of directors via the board president. 

We would like to post this position with a competitive annual salary to attract a new-to-mid-level professional with some skills. We will ask them to head up fund development and raise the funds to keep their position and salary after a two-year contract, meaning we need to be prepared to pay two years at the outset of the position. 

All that said, this will be Girls Code Lincoln’s first employee. We know that leveling up a nonprofit comes with a host of challenges, as does reporting to a Board of Directors. 

Our board is undertaking a coordinated fundraising campaign to achieve this goal, with grants and outside support playing a critical role. In addition to this fundraising goal, Girls Code Lincoln consistently needs hardware replacements, software, and other operational expenses to ensure the students have access to modern technology.

Elsbeth Magilton is from Lincoln Nebraska, and lives and works in our community. She is an attorney and educator serving as the Executive Director of the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law programs at the University of Nebraska College of Law. She formerly served as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Governance and Technology Center, an interdisciplinary research center combining law, engineering, business, and journalism. Elsbeth speaks internationally on space law and representation in technology. She is a passionate academic leader with a background in building connections across industries and facilitating practical and experiential learning.

In 2022 Elsbeth was named a “NExt Pioneer” fellow with the Nebraska Tech Collaborative – a workforce initiative examining tech talent retention in the Midwest. Elsbeth is the board president for Girls Code Lincoln, and was the host of monthly Girls Code Lincoln Podcast, interviewing and profiling underrepresented people in technology each month throughout 2021-2022. She also is a member of the Advisory Board for the Branched Oak Observatory, an outdoor and indoor (open-roof) sky park supported by science education professionals and astronomy enthusiasts. The observatory’s goal is simple: to share the wonders of the night sky with Eastern Nebraska. Elsbeth is also a Lincoln Public Schools volunteer and a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader. She would almost always rather be outside or making art and building robots with kids.

In 2021 Elsbeth was nominated for two Inspire Lincoln Awards in the Education and Large Business Categories. Run by the Lincoln Journal Star, these community awards recognize women leaders and the impact they are making in the community

The link to this application was sent to us by one of our founders and former board members, Aakriti Agrawal.

Girls Code Lincoln's weekly coding club for 4th to 9th-grade girls and children who aren't cis-male is innovative in tech due to its focus on inclusivity and representation. In a field historically dominated by cis-male individuals, Girls Code Lincoln's club stands out by providing a safe and empowering environment specifically designed to support and uplift girls and non-cis-male children. By targeting this demographic, the organization is addressing the gender gap in the tech industry from an early age, encouraging girls to pursue their interests in coding and technology.

The club's innovation lies in its approach to fostering a sense of belonging and community. It creates a space where girls and non-cis-male children can freely explore and engage with coding, programming, and other tech-related activities without the barriers and biases often encountered in traditional tech environments. This approach encourages participants to develop their skills and boosts their confidence, self-esteem, and sense of agency in tech.

Moreover, Girls Code Lincoln's coding club embraces an innovative pedagogical approach. It goes beyond merely teaching coding concepts and instead focuses on holistic skill development. Participants learn technical skills, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. The club's curriculum is designed to be engaging, hands-on, and project-based, allowing girls and non-cis-male children to apply their coding knowledge in real-world contexts. This approach nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, preparing them for future challenges in the tech industry.

Furthermore, hiring an executive director can potentially change the local market in several ways. Firstly, it enhances Girls Code Lincoln's capacity to secure partnerships and funding opportunities. With a dedicated leader, the organization can confidently engage with potential supporters, emphasizing its professional approach and its commitment to empowering girls in the tech industry. This increased credibility can attract more significant partnerships and investments, enabling Girls Code Lincoln to expand its programs and increase its impact.

Additionally, the presence of an executive director positions Girls Code Lincoln as a leader in the field of girls' tech education. The organization can leverage this leadership to influence policies and advocate for broader systemic changes to promote gender equity and inclusivity in the tech sector. By actively participating in conversations and collaborations with other stakeholders, Girls Code Lincoln can contribute to shaping a more diverse and equitable tech industry, fostering positive impacts beyond its immediate sphere of influence.

Overall, the decision to hire an executive director represents an innovative and strategic step for Girls Code Lincoln. It enables the organization to approach its mission more comprehensively and sustainably, catalyze positive impacts from others in the space, and potentially change the local tech market by influencing policies and advocating for greater diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry.

Girls Code Lincoln's impact goals for the next year and the next five years center around serving young women and non-cis-male students with coding education and inspiring them to pursue and thrive in tech careers in the Midwest. To achieve these goals, the organization has developed a comprehensive strategy focused on three key pillars: expanding access, fostering a supportive community, and providing ongoing support and representation.

In the next year, Girls Code Lincoln aims to increase its reach and impact by expanding access to its coding education programs. This includes hiring our first executive director and establishing partnerships with schools and community organizations to offer coding clubs and workshops in a wider range of locations. The organization will also actively engage with underrepresented communities, ensuring all young women and non-cis-male students have equal opportunities to participate in its programs. 

Over the next five years, Girls Code Lincoln plans to deepen its impact by fostering a supportive community for young women and non-cis-male students in the tech field. This involves creating spaces for networking, collaboration, and mentorship opportunities within the organization. Girls Code Lincoln will continue partnerships with local tech companies and professionals, organizing events and programs where students can connect with industry experts, gain insights into tech careers, and receive guidance on educational and professional pathways.

Furthermore, Girls Code Lincoln will continuously assess and refine its programs and initiatives based on feedback from students, parents, and the broader community. Regular evaluations will allow the organization to measure its impact, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that its offerings remain relevant and effective in supporting young women and non-cis-male students in their tech education and career aspirations.

Overall, Girls Code Lincoln's impact goals for the next year and the next five years revolve around expanding access, fostering a supportive community, and providing ongoing support. Through these strategic approaches, the organization aims to empower young women and non-cis-male students, inspiring them to pursue coding education and thrive in tech careers in the Midwest, creating a more diverse and inclusive tech industry for the future.

To measure the success of Girls Code Lincoln's mission, the organization will establish targets and indicators across different dimensions. While the Board has not yet developed these as a team, here are some examples this project would inspire us to begin developing and evaluating:

1. Enrollment and Participation:

   • Target: Increase the number of young women participating in Girls Code Lincoln's programs.

   • Indicator: Track the enrollment in coding clubs, workshops, and events specifically tailored to young women. Monitor the growth in participation over time.

2. Retention and Continuity:
   • Target: Increase the rate of program completion and retention of young women in subsequent semesters or years.
   • Indicator: Measure the percentage of young women who successfully complete the coding clubs or workshops and track the proportion of participants who continue their engagement with Girls Code Lincoln over time.
3. College and Career Pathways:
   • Target: Support young women in pursuing higher education or careers in tech-related fields.
   • Indicator: Monitor the number of program participants who choose to study computer science, engineering, or related disciplines in college. Track the percentage of young women who express interest in pursuing tech careers and explore their pathways and achievements.
4. Alumni Engagement and Impact:
   • Target: Foster a strong network of Girls Code Lincoln alumni who continue to engage with and contribute to the organization and the tech community.
   • Indicator: Measure the number of program graduates who stay connected with Girls Code Lincoln through mentorship, volunteering, or joining the organization's board. Monitor the success stories and achievements of alumni in the tech industry and their ongoing involvement with Girls Code Lincoln.
5. Partnerships and Collaborations:
   • Target: Establish collaborations with educational institutions, tech companies, and community organizations to expand opportunities for young women in tech.
   • Indicator: Track the number of partnerships formed with schools, universities, and tech industry leaders. Measure the success of joint initiatives, such as internships, job shadowing, or guest speaker programs, aimed at exposing young women to real-world tech experiences.
6. Community Perception and Feedback:
   • Target: Maintain a positive reputation and receive positive feedback from participants, parents, and the wider community.
   • Indicator: Conduct regular surveys or feedback sessions to assess participant satisfaction, parent testimonials, and overall community perception of Girls Code Lincoln's impact and effectiveness. Monitor changes in perception over time.

Theory of Change Model for Girls Code Lincoln's Success:

1. Inputs:

   • Dedicated Staff Leaders and Volunteers: Girls Code Lincoln recruits and retains a team (starting with an Executive Director) of passionate staff members and volunteers committed to empowering young women in tech.

   • Funding and Resources: The organization secures adequate funding and resources to support its programs, initiatives, and operational needs.

   • Partnerships: Girls Code Lincoln establishes strategic collaborations with schools, universities, tech companies, and community organizations to expand its reach and impact.

2. Activities:
   
   • Coding Clubs and Workshops: Girls Code Lincoln organizes coding clubs and workshops that provide hands-on learning experiences, fostering girls' interest and skills in technology.
   • Leadership Development: The organization offers leadership development opportunities, including mentorship, public speaking, and team-building activities, to empower girls and build their confidence.
   • Community Engagement: Girls Code Lincoln actively engages with parents, schools, and the broader community to raise awareness about the importance of girls' participation in tech and advocate for inclusivity.
3. Outputs:
   1. Increased Participation: Girls Code Lincoln attracts and engages a growing number of young women in its coding clubs, workshops, and leadership development programs.
   2. Skill Development: Participants acquire technical coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership capabilities.
   3. Supportive Network: Girls Code Lincoln nurtures a supportive network and community, connecting participants with mentors, peers, and industry professionals.
4. Immediate Outcomes:
   • Increased Confidence: Girls develop confidence in coding, problem-solving, and contributing to the tech field.
   • Expanded Aspirations: Participants develop a stronger interest in pursuing tech-related education and career pathways.
   • Sense of Belonging: Girls feel a sense of belonging and inclusion in the tech community, encouraged by a supportive network of peers and mentors.
5. Long Term Impact:
   1. College and Career Readiness: Girls Code Lincoln prepares participants for college and tech-related careers through guidance, resources, and exposure to industry opportunities.
   2. Increased Representation: More young women choose to study computer science or related fields, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.
   3. Leadership and Impact: Girls Code Lincoln alumni become tech industry leaders, mentors, and advocates, inspiring future generations of girls to pursue tech careers.
   4. Gender Equity in Tech: Girls Code Lincoln's efforts contribute to reducing the gender gap in the tech industry, fostering a more equitable and inclusive landscape.
   5. Thriving Tech Community: The increased representation of young women in tech leads to a vibrant, diverse, and innovative tech community in Nebraska.
   6. Economic Empowerment: The success of girls and women in tech careers positively impacts the local economy by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

In many ways, coding curriculum is its own technology. Teaching coding to young students of underrepresented genders plays a crucial role in addressing and mitigating the gender disparity in the tech industry:

Early Exposure and Interest: Introducing coding and technology education to young students of underrepresented genders at an early age helps spark their interest and curiosity in the field. It challenges gender stereotypes and societal biases by presenting coding as a viable and accessible option for all genders. 

Skill Development and Empowerment: Coding education equips young students with valuable technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking. Empowering them with these skills, builds confidence and self-efficacy, enabling them to pursue further opportunities in tech and compete on an equal footing.

Breaking Stereotypes and Changing Perceptions: Teaching coding to underrepresented genders challenges stereotypes and preconceived notions about who can succeed in the tech industry. Showcasing examples of successful women and non-binary individuals in tech dismantles the myth that tech is solely male-dominated and broadens the perception of what is possible.

Creating a Supportive Community: Coding education programs provide a supportive community where young students of underrepresented genders can connect with peers who share similar experiences and aspirations. This community fosters a sense of belonging and support, helping students navigate potential challenges and overcome barriers.

Nurturing Role Models: Teaching coding to underrepresented genders creates a pipeline of talented individuals who can serve as role models for future generations. When young students see people like themselves succeeding in tech, it inspires and motivates them to pursue their own ambitions, contributing to a positive cycle of representation and empowerment.

Increasing Diversity and Innovation: Increasing the representation of underrepresented genders in tech brings diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the industry. This diversity drives innovation, problem-solving, and creativity, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of tech solutions.

Systemic Change: Teaching coding to young students of underrepresented genders creates a long-term impact by addressing the gender disparity at its roots. Instilling a passion for coding and technology early on can influence individuals' future educational choices, career paths, and leadership positions, leading to systemic change in the tech industry.

Currently, Girls Code Lincoln does not have any employees and is completely volunteer-run. The Board of Directors has 11 members. The Leadership Team comprises 5 core volunteer positions: The Director of Club, Curriculum Director, Volunteer Director, Website Director, and the Social Media Director. The leadership team is supported by over 20 volunteers who teach and support clubs throughout the year. 

Girls Code Lincoln started in the spring of 2016 and has been running ever since!

At Girls Code Lincoln, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where every girl and non-cis-male student feels valued, supported, and empowered. We believe that all young individuals, regardless of their gender identity or background, should have equal opportunities to explore and excel in the field of technology. 

We strive to do the following:

1. Create Inclusive Spaces: We will create safe and inclusive spaces where our girls and non-cis-male students can freely express themselves, share their ideas, and engage in collaborative learning. We will ensure that everyone feels respected, heard, and welcomed, regardless of their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, or sexual orientation.

2. Provide Accessible Programming: We will strive to make our coding clubs and workshops accessible, regardless of financial circumstances. We will actively reach out to underrepresented communities and schools, removing barriers to participation and providing resources to support their engagement.

3. Foster Diverse Perspectives: We value the power of diverse perspectives and experiences. We will celebrate and embrace the richness of our participants' backgrounds, promoting an environment where everyone can learn from one another and broaden their understanding of the world. We actively seek out guest speakers, mentors, and role models from diverse backgrounds to inspire and uplift our participants.

4. Address Systemic Barriers: We recognize the existence of systemic barriers that contribute to gender disparities in the tech industry. We are dedicated to addressing these barriers by advocating for change, partnering with like-minded organizations, and supporting policies that promote equity and inclusion in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

5. Empower and Support: We provide our participants with the resources, mentorship, and guidance needed to develop their skills and pursue their passions in tech. We equip them with technical expertise and leadership abilities, empowering them to become change agents in their communities and the tech industry.

6. Continuously Learn and Improve: We commit to ongoing learning, self-reflection, and improvement in our DEI efforts. We will regularly assess our programs, policies, and practices, seeking feedback from our participants, families, and community partners. We will adapt and evolve to ensure our initiatives remain responsive, relevant, and impactful.

Girls Code Lincoln operates as a nonprofit organization, focusing on providing coding education and empowering young girls and non-cis-male students. Our business model centers on creating value for our participants, volunteers, and community.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

Our primary beneficiaries are girls and non-cis-male students between the ages of 4 and 9th grade. We provide them with coding education, hands-on learning experiences, and leadership development opportunities. Our aim is to inspire their interest in technology, develop their coding skills, and nurture their passion for tech-related careers.

Our volunteers, many of whom are parents themselves, play a crucial role in delivering our programs and supporting our participants. They contribute their time, expertise, and mentorship to create a positive and empowering learning environment. Volunteers benefit from the opportunity to give back to the community, share their knowledge, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young girls.

Products and Services:

We offer weekly coding clubs where students gather to learn and explore the world of coding in a supportive and engaging environment. Participants develop coding skills through a structured curriculum and hands-on activities and gain exposure to various technologies.

We organize workshops and events focused on specific tech topics or themes to provide additional learning opportunities and spark interest in specific areas of technology. These events may include guest speakers, industry visits, or collaborations with tech companies to offer participants a glimpse into real-world tech applications.

How We Provide Products and Services: 

Our coding clubs and workshops leverage the expertise of our volunteers and mentors to facilitate learning, provide guidance, and mentor participants. We collaborate with local companies, community centers, and tech organizations to host our programs and ensure accessibility for our target audience.

Why They Want or Need Them: 

Girls benefit from our programs as they gain exposure to coding skills, develop a passion for technology, and build confidence in their abilities. They find a supportive and inclusive community that encourages their interests and provides them with the tools and resources to pursue tech-related careers. Parents and guardians appreciate our organization for providing an inclusive and empowering environment for their children to learn and explore technology, ensuring they have equal opportunities in the tech field.

In summary, Girls Code Lincoln's business model revolves around providing coding education, leadership development, and a supportive community to young girls and non-cis-male students. 

By delivering high-quality programs and fostering a passion for technology, we aim to empower them to pursue their interests in tech and thrive in the digital world.

Girls Code Lincoln's plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a combination of funding sources to cover our expected expenses and support our work in the long term. Our strategies for generating revenue include:

1. Grants and Donations: We actively seek grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies that support education, technology, and gender equity. We maintain relationships with philanthropic organizations aligned with our mission, applying for grants to secure funding for our programs and operations. We also engage in fundraising campaigns to solicit donations from supporters who believe in our cause.

2. Corporate Partnerships: We explore partnerships with technology companies, local businesses, and corporations that are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. These partnerships may involve financial contributions, in-kind donations, or employee volunteering programs. We collaborate with these partners to create mutually beneficial initiatives, such as sponsorship of events, mentorship programs, or providing resources for our coding clubs.

3. Sponsorships and Fundraising Events: We organize fundraising events, such as mixers, silent auctions, or community fundraisers, to generate financial support. These events engage the community, attract sponsors, and provide an opportunity for individuals and businesses to contribute to our cause. Sponsorship opportunities within these events can provide valuable revenue streams.

4. Partnerships with Educational Institutions and Governments: Girls Code Lincoln can pursue partnerships with educational institutions, school districts, and government entities to provide coding education as part of their formal curriculum. These partnerships can involve service contracts, grants, or sponsorships to cover program delivery costs and financially support the organization.

Annually since 2019 Girls Code Lincoln has averaged a revenue over $13,000, while our average total expenses are under $7,000. The organization presently has over $47,000 in cash reserves, with ongoing fundraising efforts. 

More than any one single grant or project, we’re immensely proud of our work in creating this cash reserve in a small, volunteer-only, organization. While our mission is critical, we have a local reach and depend on local means. Our community has helped us achieve this level of stability.