5 Organizations in NYC that Advocate for Women in Technology

In the United States, women make up almost 51% of the US population and 58.2% of the total workforce.¹ Despite this, only 30% of those women are working in tech industries.² 

Gender diversity across industries is not only critical for an equitable society, but it’s also been proven to be crucial for success in business. A study conducted by the National Center for Women & Information Technology found that gender-balanced companies, in general, perform better financially and demonstrate superior team dynamics and productivity. In technology organizations specifically, the study reports that a strong gender-balance produces work teams that stay on schedule and under budget, as well as demonstrate improve employee performance.³ 

Whether you’re looking to mentor the future of women in technology or you’d like to break the tech industry’s glass ceiling, here are five NYC organizations that align with your mission. 

Break the Glass Ceiling with These 5 Organizations That Are Advocating for Women in Technology

Girls Who Code

Computer science and engineering is a lucrative field with a lot of job opportunities. Unfortunately, fewer than 1-in-5 computer science graduates are women. While girls’ participation in computer science fluctuates, the biggest drop-off occurs between the ages of 13 and 17.⁴ To empower more women to become engineers, nonprofits, private organizations, and government will need to facilitate more opportunities for young women to develop their computer science skills.

Girls Who Code launched with one mission: eliminate the gender gap in technology. Since its founding in 2012, over 90,000 girls of all backgrounds have been taught the concepts, functions, and coding skills for the latest technology through programs such as their seven-week computer science immersion course and on-campus student-led community.

Help build the largest pipeline of future female engineers with Girls Who Code.

Lower Eastside Girls Club

In the Lower East Side of New York, an estimated 69% of public school students live at or below the poverty level and 16% of Lower East Side students in grades 3 through 8 perform at grade level in math.⁵

The Lower Eastside Girls Club helps local middle and high school girls overcome educational obstacles by offering free programs in the arts, science, leadership, and wellness. The organization also provides facilities to teach STEM subjects such as engineering, coding, and biology - all at no cost to the girls and their families.

Join the club and get involved with the Lower Eastside Girls Club

Mouse

To improve diversity in STEM and help all youth realize their full potential, Mouse designs computer science and STEM curriculum, trains educators in K-12 computer science and STEM courses, and engages students with maker events and after-school programs.

Mouse is committed to advocating for greater diversity and humanity in STEM to empower youth, and those who educate them, to access and amplify technology to make a positive change in our world.

Inspire youth to use technology with purpose by supporting Mouse.

New York University

At the university level, 74% of girls express a desire for a career in STEM fields. However, a majority of them end up choosing alternate careers. Techjury reports that only 18% of undergraduate computer science degrees are held by women. So, while girls may be enthusiastic about pursuing higher education in tech fields, many are unable to do so.

Founded in 1831, New York University is now one of the largest private universities in the United States and is one of only 60 member institutions of the distinguished Association of American Universities. NYU welcomes local neighbors and nonprofits to connect with the University’s resources, which include free and public events, funding from our employee giving program, outreach in all five boroughs.

Eyebeam

Everyday, creative minds are harnessing technology to help us re-imagine our relationships with our tools and make sense of the world around us. Eyebeam is a platform for artists to engage society’s relationship with technology. Their annual residency program, community of alumni, and advanced tools and resources help artists bring their work to life.

Eyebeam enables men and women to think creatively and critically about technology’s effect on society, with the mission of revealing new paths toward a more just future for all.

Research shows that an investigation of 500 U.S. businesses found that companies with more race and gender diverse teams had higher sales revenue, more customers, greater market share, and greater profits than did less diverse companies.⁶ Advocating for women in business, especially in technology fields, not only sets up organizations for success, but promotes a more equitable society.

¹ https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/LFE046218

² https://www.cnet.com/news/women-in-tech-the-numbers-dont-add-up/

³ http://www.ncwit.org/sites/default/files/resources/impactgenderdiversitytechbusinessperformance_print.pdf

⁴ https://girlswhocode.com/about-us/

⁵ https://www.girlsclub.org/our-story/

⁶ http://www.ncwit.org/sites/default/files/resources/impactgenderdiversitytechbusinessperformance_print.pdf