GIRL CODED. This free-to-attend youth program is hosted at the Pablo Center for girls to become acquainted with the fundamentals of computer programming. Girls Who Code is currently being offered to girls in grades 3-8.

Most community members are familiar with the Pablo Center in downtown Eau Claire as a live entertainment and performing arts space, but people may not know about the myriad of youth classes and learning opportunities they also offer.

One such opportunity is called “Girls Who Code,” a program for girls in grades third through fifth and sixth through eighth. This program runs for six weeks, meeting once per week to learn the basics of computer programming. It is also completely free for participants.

“Girls Who Code” is an international program that came to Eau Claire in 2021. “(The program was started to) help close the gender gap in technology and computer science by providing girls with the skills, confidence, and support needed to pursue careers in STEM,” said Mary LaVenture, the Pablo’s STEAM programs manager.

“Many girls lose interest in STEM around middle school,” LaVenture said. With that in mind, the program’s age range of 8-14 was purposefully chosen. This program combats the issue of lost interest by allowing girls to overcome the fear of failure in a supportive environment.

The girls are also, of course, allowed to make mistakes, which is “an important state of mind for success in not just technology, but in every aspect of life,” LaVenture said.

A current program is running for grades third through fifth with eight participants. During the six weeks, they will be introduced to basic vocabulary and processes, test block coding, and may have brief lessons in other programming languages. The goal is for them to have fun and get a small taste of what coding and programming involves so they can gain confidence in these skills.

This program is also aided by three UW-Eau Claire students who create small 5-10 minute lessons involving vocabulary and games to gear up for the rest of the content. The three university students are putting their knowledge to good use by volunteering to assist in the classroom and earning their service learning hours.

To be put on the email list for future class offerings, or to learn more about volunteering, email outreach@pablocenter.org • More information about the international organization and program, “Girls Who Code,” can be found at girlswhocode.com.