Examining the Impact of Python Pals on Middle School Girls’ Perceptions of Computer Science

Python Pals is a project designed to empower women in computer science by offering free programming lessons to middle school girls. Historically, women played a crucial role in early computer science, especially during World War II, but they received little recognition and were later marginalized as the field became male-dominated. Today, women make up only 21% of computer science majors,1 a decline driven by gender stereotypes and cultural biases. To address this disparity in Hudson, Ohio, Python Pals offers monthly coding sessions focusing on the basics of Python. Each 3-4 hour session includes instruction, group projects, and friendly competitions to reinforce learning. The program has also expanded internationally with virtual lessons for girls in India. The goal is to build programming skills and challenge gender stereotypes in computer science. Early results indicate significant improvements in participants' coding abilities and increased interest in further studies and careers in the field.