Code Girls United, a Montana-based nonprofit addressing gender inequality in technology, has received an $80,000 grant to expand AI education programs for students across the state. The funding will support the organization's mission to increase female representation in computer science through hands-on artificial intelligence training.
The grant enables Code Girls United to scale its AI-integrated afterschool programs, which teach students to build and use AI tools including image generation bots and chatbots. "Earlier this year, we incorporated AI into our standard afterschool program, and the kids use like an image bot or chat bot in it," said CEO Marianne Smith.
Addressing the Tech Gender Gap
Women remain significantly underrepresented in technology and computer science fields, comprising less than 25 percent of computing professionals despite making up nearly half the overall workforce. This gap begins early, with girls often discouraged from pursuing STEM subjects or lacking access to technology education opportunities.
Code Girls United targets this disparity by providing structured AI education specifically designed to engage female students. By introducing AI concepts through accessible, hands-on projects, the organization aims to build both technical skills and confidence in technology fields where women have historically been excluded or underrepresented.
AI-Focused Curriculum
The expanded program integrates artificial intelligence education into afterschool activities, giving students practical experience with technologies reshaping the job market. Students learn to work with image generation tools similar to DALL-E or Midjourney, and develop conversational AI applications using chatbot platforms.
This curriculum approach makes AI accessible to students without prior coding experience while teaching fundamental concepts applicable across technology careers. By focusing on creation rather than passive consumption of AI tools, the program positions students as technology builders rather than just users.
Rural Education Impact
The $80,000 grant carries particular significance for Montana, where rural geography creates barriers to technology education access. Many Montana students lack exposure to advanced computer science programs available in urban areas, limiting their awareness of technology career paths.
Code Girls United's expansion addresses this rural education gap by bringing AI training directly to underserved communities. The funding enables the organization to reach more students across Montana's geographically dispersed population, providing opportunities that might otherwise require relocation to technology hubs.
Workforce Development Implications
The program's timing aligns with urgent workforce development needs as AI transforms nearly every industry. Employers increasingly seek workers with AI literacy and hands-on experience with generative tools, creating demand for education programs that prepare students for AI-enabled careers.
By focusing on underrepresented demographics, Code Girls United helps address both gender inequality and broader talent shortages in technology. Research shows diverse teams produce better technological outcomes, making programs that expand the talent pipeline valuable for both equity and innovation.
Scaling the Model
The $80,000 grant supports program expansion including additional locations, more student participants, enhanced curriculum development, and teacher training to deliver AI education effectively. Code Girls United plans to use the funding to refine its AI curriculum based on student feedback and emerging technology trends.
The organization's success could provide a replicable model for other states facing similar challenges with technology education access and gender representation. As AI becomes increasingly central to economic opportunity, programs like Code Girls United demonstrate how targeted education initiatives can create pathways into high-growth fields for underrepresented students.
For Montana's technology ecosystem, the expanded program represents investment in future workforce capabilities. Students gaining AI skills today will enter a job market where these competencies increasingly determine career opportunities and earning potential across industries from healthcare to agriculture to finance.
