CodeHoppers returns with aim to inspire girls to learn more about cyber

CodeHoppers, a student-led program sponsored by Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, is making a comeback.

Founded in 2017 by AU’s chapter of Girls Who Code, CodeHoppers is dedicated to creating a fun, friendly and inclusive environment for girls in sixth through 12^th grades. The program introduces participants to basic coding concepts, webpage principles, hacking ethics and the fields of cybersecurity and computer sciences, even for those with no prior experience.

The in-person program was paused during the pandemic, and now its revival is being spearheaded by Michael Nowatkowski, PhD, and student leaders Briana Campbell and Komal Bhullar.

“CodeHoppers is named in honor of Grace Hopper, a pioneer of computer programming, who was an American computer scientist, mathematician and United States Navy rear admiral,” said Alexander Schwarzmann, PhD, dean of the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. “We are thrilled to revive this program, and we expect that more high school girls participating in it will choose careers in computing and cybersecurity. Female students are very successful in our degree programs, and it is important to introduce girls to computing and cybersecurity at a young age.”

Campbell, a first-year graduate student majoring in Information Security Management, knows first-hand the benefits of being involved in computer science-related student organizations, is particularly enthusiastic about the revival and is eager to offer a unique experience to members.

“I’m excited to see CodeHoppers return with its mission to empower young women to pursue coding and computer science fields,” said Campbell. “This year, we’re focused on providing an environment where these girls can be challenged and dive into cybersecurity — an opportunity that wasn’t available to me when I was their age. I hope this initiative helps inspire more women to enter the cybersecurity field and contributes to closing the gender gap.”

Today, women make up less than 25% of all undergraduate degrees awarded nationally in computing and cybersecurity, and there are serious shortages in the workforce in these disciplines.

Research suggests introducing technology at a younger age can inspire young girls to explore new fields and build confidence in STEM subjects.

Nowatkowski, director of AU’s Cyber Institute and head of the Cyber Programs of Study at SCCS, believes this program has the potential to ignite interest in local students.

“A club like this is essential to introducing girls at a young age to these topics because it will increase their confidence,” said Nowatkowski. “The goal is to provide young girls an encouraging learning environment for them to explore technology, and hopefully they will want to continue studying these topics.”

The support for the program’s return has surpassed expectations of Nowatkowski, Campbell and Bhullar.

Bhullar, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in cybersecurity, sees CodeHoppers as a chance for her and others to make this experience extremely valuable to the next generation of computer science and cybersecurity leaders.

“It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, support their growth and foster a collaborative environment so they will want to pursue a career in these fields,” said Bhullar. “I’m looking forward to helping these students and this club grow over the next year, and I’m eager to see the innovative projects and learning experiences that will come out of this experience.”

Tiana Turner, a graduate student majoring in information security management, is volunteering with CodeHoppers and calls the revival of the club an “inspiration.” 

“Being a CodeHoppers volunteer means I get to inspire young girls to be interested in fields that involve coding,” said Turner. “I knew I wanted to study cybersecurity in my junior year of high school, but I had no previous coding experience. A program like this would have helped me throughout my learning journey, so I’m excited to help the next generation of powerful girls become interested in STEM.”

CodeHoppers kicked off the year with its first meeting on Sept. 12. The kickoff meeting included a session for just the parents of the students where they received tips, guides and insights on recent cybersecurity trends. The session gave the parents a chance to directly experience what their children will be learning throughout the year.

CodeHoppers is continuing to accept applicants for new participants, and meetings are held monthly. The next meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 14. To register or for more information, parents or students can contact the group via email.