Girls Who Code is challenging the assumption of what is to be expected when someone is a computer technology professional. The international non-profit has set up a structure that allows girls and young women to explore the study of technology and the skills that accompany it. This plan will enable Girls Who Code to reach more girls nationally and internationally, while clarifying the message of the importance of diversifying the technology profession and adding onto the already planned annual reports. Additional communication will improve Girls Who Code’s valued outreach in order to provide opportunities for the future leaders of the technology sector.
Challenges and Objectives
- Girls Who Code has a main objective of closing the gender gap within the computer technology sector. The percentage of women in computer science since 1995 has dropped from 35% to 24% today.
Audience/ stakeholders objectives
- The communication plan will perform a stakeholder analysis yearly to address stakeholder and audience input from within the company itself but is continuing to look for support from external sources.
Strategy
- Girls Who Code will conduct a reputation audit monthly that will acquire feedback from key stakeholders and other external sources.
- The key message that the non-profit is going to continue to conduct is that there is a necessity to close the gender gap in computer science sectors by providing girls from all walks of life the ability to learn skills that may entice them to pursue a career in technology.
Tactics
- Tactics will include media kits (revised from original version) that will focus on including quotes from alumni and current members of the programs.
- The communications tactics will engage with tolls that further the vision of closing the gender gap in technology.
- Monthly blog posts based on insight from current girls in program, seeking to use success stories as spokespeople.
- Monthly stakeholder meetings to review engagement efforts and inputs
- Special outreach at the beginning of key times
- Beginning of high school, end of alumni college, and summer programs
Evaluation and Measurement
- This communication plan will focus on engaging focus groups of girls aged 13-17 as that is where Girls Who Code has found to be the most lacking in computer science learning opportunities.
- Continue to engage in financial partnerships with major brands.
Next Steps
- As Girls Who Code progresses, they may be a market to start developing other online tools that can further help achieve the goal of the non-profit. Is there opportunities to develop an app, etc.?