At Astreya, innovation is in our DNA. We thrive on pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. But we know that true innovation flourishes in a diverse and inclusive environment. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Girls Who Code (GWC), a dynamic nonprofit that’s making waves by closing the gender gap in technology. Let’s dive into the inspiring world of Girls Who Code and how Astreya is championing this cause with heart and dedication.
Girls Who Code: Revolutionizing Tech One Girl at a Time
Since its inception in 2012 by the visionary Reshma Saujani, Girls Who Code has been on a mission to transform the tech landscape. The organization has reached over 580,000 girls, women, and non-binary individuals globally, igniting a passion for coding and technology in countless young minds.
Empowering Through Education: Key Programs
- Clubs: Picture this – after-school programs where girls in grades 3-12 come together to explore the exciting world of coding. These clubs aren’t just about learning to code; they’re about building sisterhood, bravery, and resilience. It’s where friendships blossom, and future tech leaders are born.
- Summer Immersion Programs: Imagine a two-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP) where high school students dive into game design and computer science concepts, guided by industry giants like MetLife and Bank of America. Or a six-week Self-Paced Program where students explore web development, cybersecurity, and AI at their own pace. These programs are more than just learning experiences – they’re gateways to the future.
- College Loops: For GWC alumni in college, the journey doesn’t stop. College Loops support these young women, helping them continue to hone their coding skills and connect with a network of tech-savvy peers and mentors.
The Impact: Changing Lives and Shaping Futures
- Diverse Participation: Over half of GWC participants come from historically underrepresented groups in tech. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities.
- Academic Triumphs: GWC alumni are choosing to major in computer science at seven times the national average. That’s not just impressive – it’s revolutionary.
- Global Reach: With over 6,300 programs worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and India, GWC is truly a global movement.
Innovative Initiatives: The Future is Now
- GirlJams: Imagine an AI-powered songwriting experience that lets girls and non-binary students explore AI technology in a creative, hands-on way. That’s GirlJams – a blend of tech and creativity that’s pure magic.
- Girls Who Code Girls: A gaming experience where users can code characters that reflect their diversity and creativity. It’s not just a game – it’s a celebration of individuality and tech prowess.
Astreya and Girls Who Code: A Partnership for Progress
In 2024, Astreya’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) committee is taking this partnership to new heights with three major events designed to connect, inspire, and elevate diverse talent.
- January 2024: Virtual Hiring Summit
- The Event: Our Talent Acquisition Team engaged with over 100 diverse female and non-binary engineers in a one-day virtual hiring extravaganza.
- The Goal: To provide these talented individuals with career opportunities and showcase Astreya’s commitment to building a diverse engineering team.
- March 2024: Virtual Networking Event
- The Event: Select Astreya team members participated in a virtual speed networking session with GWC college-aged alumni.
- The Goal: To discuss resumes, career aspirations, and demonstrate that at Astreya we ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to DE&I.
- May 2024: Clubs Graduation
- The Event: We attended a virtual graduation ceremony for GWC club graduates.
- The Goal: To celebrate the achievements of these bright young minds and show our unwavering support for their journey into the tech world.
A Vision for the Future: Sustained and Sustainable Growth
At Astreya, we are not just investing in technology; we are investing in people. Our partnership with Girls Who Code is a testament to our belief that the future of tech depends on a diverse and inclusive workforce. By supporting GWC’s mission, we are helping to build a pipeline of future female and non-binary engineers who will lead the way in innovation.
We are committed to continuing this journey, ensuring that our growth is both sustained and sustainable. By keeping people at the heart of our initiatives, we strive to create a tech industry where everyone, regardless of gender or background, has the opportunity to thrive.
Together with Girls Who Code, we are not just changing the image of a programmer; we are shaping the future of technology, one line of code at a time.
Astreya is more than a tech company; we are a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our DE&I initiatives are not just policies; they are the very core of our culture, driving us to foster an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.
From our humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in tech solutions, our journey has been defined by our commitment to excellence and our passion for people. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives to spark innovation, and our partnership with Girls Who Code is a shining example of this belief in action.
As we look to the future, our goals are clear: to continue fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem that celebrates diversity, drives innovation, and supports sustainable growth. Together with Girls Who Code, we are not just changing the image of a programmer; we are shaping the future of technology, one line of code at a time.
At Astreya, we know that our strength lies in our people. By investing in programs that empower the next generation of tech leaders, we are not just building a better company; we are building a better world. Join us on this exciting journey, and let’s create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
For more about our DE&I initiatives and how we’re making a difference, visit our DEI page and About Us page.