Girls Who Code at UIC Club

Introduction

BECOME A GIRLS WHO CODE AT UIC CLUB CLUB MEMBER!

🚨 WE’RE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! 🚨

Girls Who Code at UIC Club is a FREE year-round program for 9th-12th grade students in the Chicago-land area who are interested in exploring computer science. We're building the world's largest pipeline of future female engineers and this year WE'RE VIRTUAL!

We’re currently accepting applications for Advanced Level 2, which focuses on hands-on hardware and wearable technology projects. This level is still beginner-friendly, and all materials are provided and shipped directly to students!

🛠️ Curious about how coding connects to engineering, design, health tech, or wearables?
💡 Want to build real projects and try something new in a supportive space?

THIS IS FOR YOU!!

Become a Member

WHEN IS IT?

Program Dates: January 17, 2026 – April 11, 2026

2026
January 17th, 24th, 31st
February 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
March 7th, 14th, 21st
April 4th, 11th

Will meet every Saturday, as indicated above, from 10am-12pm, via Zoom. Our only in-person event will be on April 11th at UIC for our GWC end-of-program celebration! More information will be provided.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

You must:

1) Be a high school student starting Fall 2025 (some exceptions will be granted);
2) Have access to wifi and a computer with camera and microphone;
3) Have a Zoom account;

4) Eager to learn programming and/or strengthen coding skills already acquired;
5) Willing to commit to entire program (every Saturday from January 17, 2026-April 11, 2026, 10am-12pm).

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 Scratch and 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 Wearable Technology

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 apps are not compatible with Chrome OS so it may be best that you have a back up plan such as a Windows PC or Mac. Also, keep in mind that if your machine is owned by your high school, there may be restrictions that will prohibit downloads.

HOW STRICT WILL THE ATTENDANCE POLICY BE?

Given the nature of our program this year, our attendance policy will be strict. We will allow participants to be absent 2 classes each semester. However, we must be notified in advance. Participants with more than one unexcused absence will be dismissed from the program.

I WANT TO BE PART OF GWC BUT I CANNOT COMMUTE TO UIC FOR THE SPECIAL EVENT. CAN I STILL JOIN?

Absolutely! We understand that some participants will not be able to meet us on campus, so we will provide a virtual option so you do not miss out on our special graduation event on April 28th!

SINCE GWC IS NOW HYBRID, DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION?

Not at this time since most meetings will be remote, but when we meet in person, we will strongly recommend that students and team members get tested for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status.