Girls Who Code at UIC Club

WHEN IS IT?

Program Dates: September 26, 2026 – April 10, 2027

Fall 2026:

September 26th
October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st (In-Person Halloween Celebration!🎃)
November 7th, 14th, 21st
December 5th

Spring 2027:

January 16th, 23rd, 30th
February 13th, 20th
March 6th, 13th, 20th
April 3rd
April 10th – End-of-Program Celebration & Graduation!🥳

We will meet on Saturdays, as indicated above, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Most sessions will take place virtually via Zoom, with select opportunities to meet in person at UIC throughout the year. Our in-person Halloween celebration will take place on Saturday, Oct 31st, 2026, and our end-of-program celebration and graduation will take place on Saturday, April 10th at UIC. More information about in-person dates will be provided in advance.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

You must:

1. Be a high school student during the 2026–2027 academic year (some exceptions may be granted);
2. Have access to WiFi and a computer with a camera and microphone;
3. Have access to Zoom;
4. Be eager to learn programming and/or strengthen coding skills already acquired;
5. Be willing to commit to the full program and regularly attend Saturday sessions throughout the 2026–2027 academic year.

IS CODING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

Absolutely not! Our Club is open to beginners who do not have any coding or programming experience. In fact, our club consists of 4 different levels to accommodate everyone with or without experience:

Beginner Level covers an introduction to Python

Intermediate Level covers Web-App Development (HTML and CSS)

Advanced Level I covers Introduction to Hardware and Circuit Building

Advanced Level II covers Embedded Systems & Smart Sensors

I DO NOT IDENTIFY AS A GIRL BUT I AM A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, CAN I STILL APPLY?

Yes! EVERYONE, regardless of gender, is welcome to be part of Girls Who Code!

WILL YOU LOAN COMPUTERS IF WE DO NOT HAVE ONE?

Unfortunately, we are not equipped to do so.

I HAVE A CHROMEBOOK, WILL THAT BE ADEQUATE FOR GWC?

It depends! Some programs and applications used throughout the program may not be compatible with Chrome OS, so it may be best to have a backup plan, such as access to a Windows PC or Mac. Also, keep in mind that if your computer is owned by your high school, there may be restrictions that prohibit certain downloads.

HOW STRICT WILL THE ATTENDANCE POLICY BE?

Because Girls Who Code builds upon material from week to week, regular attendance is very important. We understand that things come up, so participants may be absent for up to 2 classes each semester. However, we ask that you notify your instructor or the GWC team in advance whenever possible. Repeated unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the program.

I WANT TO BE PART OF GWC BUT I CANNOT COMMUTE TO UIC FOR AN IN-PERSON EVENT. CAN I STILL JOIN?

Absolutely! Most of our program will continue to take place virtually. We understand that not every participant may be able to travel to UIC for an in-person session, so additional information and available alternatives will be communicated in advance.

SINCE GWC MAY INCLUDE IN-PERSON EVENTS, DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION?

No. At this time, participants are not required to provide COVID-19 vaccination information to participate in Girls Who Code. Participants should follow any current UIC health and safety guidance that may be in place at the time of an in-person event.

PROGRAM LOCATION 

University of Illinois at Chicago
Science and Engineering Offices
851 South Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60607

Girls Who Code at UIC is also proudly sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences! 

Thank you for your support!