Educating for equality: How the Infosys Foundation USA is investing in computer science and making to bridge the tech gender divide

At the Infosys Foundation USA, parity is paramount. Since 2014, we have focused on bridging the digital divide by expanding computer science and maker education to underrepresented K-12 children and their teachers in communities across the United States – not the least of whom are girls and women. While it is well documented that high-paying computing and technology jobs are steadily growing, the number of girls and women who choose these career paths is actually decreasing. That’s a trend the Foundation is working to reverse.

We are proud to support International Women’s Day and are committed to achieving #BalanceforBetter. Promoting gender equality in STEM is an investment the Infosys Foundation USA will continue to make. Creating pathways to computer science opportunities will lead to better outcomes for girls and women – in their education, their communities and their careers.

"We are passionate about breaking down barriers in computer science education for girls and women so they are empowered to have thriving careers in the digital future," says Kate Maloney, Executive Director of the Infosys Foundation USA.

Below is a snapshot of the of girl-focused grants the Foundation has supported to-date. Going forward we are excited to double down on our commitment to closing the gender divide in STEM by increasing our programmatic support for CS and maker education for girls and women.

Girl Scouts of USA: In 2019, we are providing funding to expand access to STEM education for K-12 girls and their families through hands-on learning activities. This grant will be used to develop new STEM badges and launch Girl Scout Family STEM Nights in fall 2019.

ChickTech: In 2018, we provided funding during CSEd Week to help launch a two-day course for underserved girls in Austin, Texas. Thanks to this grant, ChickTech designed a hands-on, technology focused workshop that served about 100 girls.

Texas Girls Collaborative Project: In 2017, we provided funding for the High School Robotics Day Camp. Thanks to this grant, the Texas Girls Collaborative created a program that was geared towards female students with little-to-no robotics experience and enabled them to build, program and incorporate sensors into their designs which addressed a variety of challenges.

Girl Develop It: In 2016, we provided funding during CSEd Week to bring software and web development programing to girls and women in the Seattle area. Thanks to this grant, Girl Develop It conducted a two-and-a-half-day workshop for 50 women of all ages, abilities and backgrounds – empowering them through coding.

Girls Who Code: In 2015, we provided funding to launch 500 new coding clubs nationwide. Thanks to this grant, Girls Who Code was able to reach more 6,000 girls and help them develop skills in computer science.

For additional information on the Infosys Foundation USA, please visit our website.