While woman make up about 50% of the workforce in America, they only make up 22% percent of people employed in the field of computer science. In fact, the rate of woman entering the industry has actually decreased over the past 20 years. It is a statistic that concerned Decatur area entrepreneur Dr. Juanita Morris. It is the reason she decided to start a Macon County chapter of the Girls Who Code program in January. 

Girls Who Code, a nationwide organization, is an opportunity for girls to be exposed to the world of computer science and coding. The program is designed to inspire a new generation of female coders using a fun curriculum. 

“I think it offers an opportunity for them to learn and explore something else. It is low steaks, there is no testing, no grades, so it opens up another area to explore.” says Dr. Morris. 

The classes, held at the Decatur Public Library, are part of a 10 week “mini-course” to teach girls the fundamentals of coding. By the end of the class, the girls hope to design a new app that will help benefit members of the local community. 

For more information about Girls Who Code, you can visit their national website, or contact Dr. Juanita Morris at (217) 474-1907