Marking 12 years of partnership, Software.org was proud to support Girls Who Code’s summer programming, connecting students with leaders from across the software industry and creating opportunities to explore the skills, technologies, and career pathways shaping our digital future.

Throughout July and August, Software.org and its supporters contributed to a series of virtual and in-person sessions designed to give students an inside look at careers in technology while helping them build knowledge and confidence around emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

The programming kicked off on July 8 with a virtual panel on “Building Technical Skills Before College,” featuring Gabi Joseph, Senior Red Team Engineer at Palo Alto Networks and Girls Who Code alumnus. The conversation gave students practical perspectives on developing technical skills and preparing for future opportunities in technology.

On July 15, Software.org hosted “Agentic AI for Impact,” an AI and society session featuring Shaundra Watson, former Senior Director of Policy at the Business Software Alliance, and Amy Guterman, Senior Director of AI for Impact at Salesforce. Students explored the growing role of agentic AI and considered how emerging technologies can be applied to address real-world challenges.

The following day, Software.org brought together policy and industry leaders for a two-part program examining the future of technology and work. The session opened with a fireside chat featuring BSA CEO Victoria Espinel and Congresswoman Luz Rivas, followed by a panel themed “AI & Software Enabling America’s Workforce.” Moderated by BSA’s Jessica Salmoiraghi, featured discussants Dimple Shah of SAP America and Julie Klein of Palo Alto Networks explored how AI and software are changing the skills and opportunities available to America’s workforce.

Software.org’s support continued in person on July 23 in San Francisco with “Prompting Your AI Career: Exploring the Evolving Ecosystem and Opportunities.” Joyce Lee of LinkedIn, Allison Rose of Autodesk, and Dilruba Malik, of Palo Alto Networks shared perspectives on the expanding AI ecosystem and the range of careers students can pursue within it.

The summer culminated with Girls Who Code’s graduation event on August 11, with members of the BSA team joining students to celebrate their accomplishments.

Through these engagements, Software.org and its members helped connect the next generation of technology leaders with professionals working at the forefront of software and AI innovation. Software.org is proud to support Girls Who Code in expanding access to technology skills and help students realize opportunities for career growth and leadership in the digital economy.