This July, Software.org partnered with Girls Who Code (GWC) for the 11th Annual Summer Immersion Program (SIP)—a two-week virtual experience designed to give high school students practical coding skills, real-world career insights, and a professional network to help them navigate their future in tech. More than 60 students from across the United States participated, most of them girls and nonbinary students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. For many, SIP was their first opportunity to work directly with industry leaders and gain hands-on experience in computer science.

This year’s curriculum explored emerging technologies, the future of work, and the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. Through partner-led sessions, panels, and project-based learning, students developed both technical and career-readiness skills—while connecting with role models whose career paths show the wide range of opportunities in the tech sector.

Week 1 – Welcome, AI Futures, and Innovation Across Industries

The program began with a welcome session featuring Girls Who Code alumna and former Software.org intern Tyler Madison, BSA’s Senior Manager Digital Stefania Durden, Software.org’s Nicholas Gibbs, and myself. Software.org President Victoria Espinel also shared a warm welcome via video message, highlighting the importance of early exposure to technology and encouraging students to embrace every opportunity to learn and lead.

The first partner-led panel, Learning Pathways for an AI Future, was moderated by BSA’s Senior Director Policy Shaundra Watson and featured Microsoft’s Director State Government Affairs Aimee Z. Sprung and Salesforce’s Senior Public Affairs Manager Charlotte Smith. Panelists discussed how AI is transforming software development, ethical design, and data management, and shared practical advice on building purpose-driven careers in an AI-powered world.

Later in the week, Software.org hosted Tech Innovation Across Industries, moderated by BSA’s Senior Director Legislative Strategy Danielle Brown. Panelists included Mastercard’s Vice President Global Public Policy Hera Abbasi, Verizon’s Executive Director Policy and Strategic Alliances Laura Berrocal, Johnson & Johnson R&D’s Executive Director Data Science and Digital Health Dr. Ariel Bourla, and Medtronic’s Senior Director U.S. Government Affairs Andrea Looney. The conversation explored how technology is reshaping healthcare, finance, and public policy—and underscored the value of bringing diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to innovation.

The week concluded with the Game Jam kickoff, where students began designing and coding original games in p5.js. BSA staff joined breakout rooms to offer guidance, troubleshoot challenges, and provide constructive feedback as students presented their early concepts and refined their ideas in preparation for the final showcase.

Week 2: Cybersecurity, Mentorship, and Graduation

Week 2 opened with Cybersecurity Careers: Protecting Our Digital World and Building Digital Trust, moderated by BSA’s Senior Director IT Modernization & Procurement Jessica Salmoiraghi. Panelists included SAP’s Senior Director Government Affairs Winter Casey, IBM’s Vice President Technology and Science Policy of Government and Regulatory Affairs Roslyn Docktor, and Oracle’s Senior Manager Strategic Initiatives Dorothy Jetter. Speakers shared career journeys spanning law, tech policy, the Peace Corps, and privacy—illustrating that there is no single path into cybersecurity. They offered actionable advice for students: stay curious, ask for feedback, and take opportunities before you feel fully ready.

The final partner-led session, Mentorship and Early Career Growth, was moderated by BSA’s Director Policy Meghan Pensyl, with panelists BSA’s Senior Manager Digital Stefania Durden, BSA’s Manager Communications Lindsay Emery, BSA’s Manager Legal Operations, Office of the General Counsel Naji Glover, and BSA’s Senior Manager Global Communications Laura Vingan. Panelists reflected on the role of mentorship at different career stages and encouraged students to remain open to change, ask questions, and seek relationships that challenge and inspire them.

On the final Friday, students first presented their completed Game Jam projects during the Final Project Showcase, walking through the concepts, coding approaches, and creative choices behind their work. BSA staff participated in breakout rooms, offering encouragement, technical guidance, and feedback as students reflected on their progress and celebrated how far they had come.

Immediately following the showcase, the graduation ceremony—led by Nicholas Gibbs, Tyler Madison, and me—featured remarks from Senator Amy Klobuchar, who congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to continue building skills for the future of tech. We closed the program with a Q&A, recognition of student accomplishments, and a lighthearted tradition—decorating virtual graduation caps on slides and “throwing” them together on screen.

Throughout the two weeks, students consistently shared how the sessions expanded their view of what’s possible in tech. As Carolina M., a SIP participant, put it:

“A highlight for me about the event was hearing those with experience in computer science, such as Software.org BSA Foundation and Microsoft employees discussing their journey of making connections in the technology industry, which gave me lots of hope.”

Congratulations to the Girls Who Code SIP Class of 2025. We look forward to seeing where your skills, creativity, and leadership take you next.