Code Ninjas, Microsoft MakeCode, and Girls Who Code Unite to Empower Young Girls with Coding Skills through Game Jam Event in Celebration of Women’s History Month

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Code Ninjas, a premier global coding for kids’ franchise, Microsoft MakeCode, an innovative computing platform that makes programming accessible and fun, and Girls Who Code, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology, have joined forces. This powerful partnership will culminate in a special “Female Game Changers” dedicated to celebrating the Women who have impacted your life. Designed to teach girls coding through the creation of their own video games, using tools and platforms provided by Microsoft MakeCode to enhance the experience.

This unique Game Jam aims to inspire and educate girls by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and platform to embark on a journey in computer science. By focusing on game development and leveraging Microsoft MakeCode’s intuitive, block-based, and JavaScript coding environments, the event seeks to make learning to code an enjoyable and engaging experience, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for technology.

“Through our partnership with Girls Who Code and the integration of Microsoft MakeCode, we aim to shatter stereotypes and inspire a new generation of female coders,” said Navin Gurnaney, CEO of Code Ninjas. “The Game Jam event is a testament to our commitment to making coding accessible to all, particularly to empower girls during Women’s History Month.”

Dr. Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code, added, “In order to close the gender gap in tech, we have to let young women know that computer science skills can be an outlet for creativity and fun, and a vehicle for them to pursue their passions. We’re excited to collaborate with Code Ninjas and Microsoft MakeCode for this Game Jam event, offering a safe space for our students to learn and get inspired by the possibilities of a tech career.”

“Game Jams are a great way to learn, express your creativity, connect, and collaborate with others. Microsoft MakeCode is thrilled to be partnering with Code Ninjas and Girls Who Code on a special ‘Female Game Changers” themed Game Jam this month! With still only 26% female representation in the technology industry, games are a great way to engage young women and spark their interest in future careers in tech,” says Jacqueline Russell, Product Manager Microsoft MakeCode.

The Game Jam event is set to take place starting March 1st, culminating on March 31st, with activities designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced coders. Participants will have the opportunity to work in teams, learn from experienced mentors, and bring their creative ideas to life through code, utilizing Microsoft MakeCode’s versatile platform.

For more information about the “Female Game Changers” Game Jam event and how to participate, please visit Game Jam Link and CodeNinjas.com.

About Code Ninjas

Founded in 2017, Code Ninjas has grown into a leading global network that teaches children to code, with a mission to make learning to code fun and accessible. Code Ninjas operates hundreds of centers across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, providing a safe and inspiring environment for future generations of coders.

About Microsoft MakeCode

Microsoft MakeCode is a free, open-source platform that brings computer science to life for all students with fun projects, immediate results, and both block and text editors for learners at different levels. Microsoft MakeCode’s mission is to make computing accessible to all students as a creative tool for coding.

About Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology and is leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip students who identify as girls or nonbinary with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st-century opportunities. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 580,000 students through in-person and virtual programming, and 185,000 of alumni are college or career-aged.