Some McCutcheon High School students are trying to make waves by changing the image of what a computer programmer looks like. Computer Science (CS) Ambassadors Kayann Baker and Kenna Wallace move from desk to desk at Mintonye Elementary School helping students navigate the puzzles and challenges of coding. Laughter and the occasional "aha!" exclamations fill the room as the third graders begin to grasp the basics of programming with the guidance of their high school mentors.

This visit to Mintonye Elementary School is part of the CS Ambassadors’ mission to share their excitement for computer science and inspire others. They visit classrooms, host informational tables at lunch and lead the Women in STEM Club at McCutcheon.

“Empowering more women to pursue computer science is the reason I became an ambassador,” says Kayann, a second-year ambassador. “Computer science is a male-dominated field—only 18% of computer science degree earners are women. By encouraging more women to explore this area, we can help increase that number and move closer to gender equality.”

Kenna adds, “My father is a programmer, so I grew up around it. Through this role, I hope we can increase interest and build confidence for girls to consider going into this male-dominated field.”

During the coding activity, Kayann, Kenna, and several other Women in STEM Club members introduced students to coding through a pixel art project. Using specific combinations of characters, letters and numbers, students created colorful designs while learning foundational programming concepts.

“It was so fun,” says student Addison Walters. “It was like learning a secret language.”

Classmate Naevia Sieber says once she got the flow of it, it made sense: “They taught me a lot. I like computers even more now!”

The benefits of coding go beyond the screen. Third grade teacher Barb Tilley says the skills students learn while coding transfer to other aspects of the school day: “Coding promotes problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity—all skills that students use every day.”

“In third grade, I want my girls to know that there are no limits for them,” says Tilley. “They can help shape the growing tech industry if they choose to.”

McCutcheon engineering and technology teacher Zach McKeever praised the ambassadors’ work. “There are a significant number of students who miss the opportunity to take STEM classes because of the gender gap in these courses. Students like Kayann and Kenna are helping break down these barriers and misconceptions. Hopefully, they’ll create a network of students with shared interests,” he said.

Thanks to the leadership of Kayann and Kenna, students like Addison and Naevia are discovering the joy of coding and building confidence to explore a field once considered out of reach.

“Computers aren’t just for boys anymore!” says Naevia, smiling.