Identify a Location

Clubs can be hosted in person or virtually. If hosted in person, Girls Who Code Clubs must be hosted at public, non-profit, or similarly tax-exempt locations with Internet access and a sufficient number of computers for Club participants to work with.

Any of the following spaces are acceptable:

1. A school Computer Lab
2. Universities
3. Libraries
4. Community centers
5. Faith-based organizations
6. Other non-profits

Please note: To host a Club, a person who is officially affiliated with the host site must serve as the Club's "Decision Maker" (i.e. the point of contact between Girls Who Code and the non-profit location). The following types of locations are not acceptable sites to host a Girls Who Code club:

1. Private Homes
2. Corporate Office Location
3. Class-A Commercial Buildings
4. Any For-Profit Space

For more information on running Clubs virtually check out our FAQ.

Determine Your Role

Any adult over the age of 18 can apply to start a Girls Who Code Club, as long as they:

1. Are able to secure a regular meeting space at a public, non-profit or similarly tax-exempt host organization with the exception of summer only Clubs.
2. Have an affiliation with the host site.
3. Would have the ability to pass a background check if they are not employed by the host site
4. Are able to provide a desktop or laptop computer and reliable Internet access to all members of the Club. (Phones are not sufficient.)
5. Are able to find or serve as a Facilitator.

Identify your Resources

Determine whether all Club members would have access to a laptop or desktop computer (required for the 6–12th grade curriculum) how you will provide computers and reliable internet access to all members of the Club.

When you complete the 30 Day Challenge on ChangeX, you'll get access to funding of $500 - this can be used to cover costs associated with your Club.

Map Out your Timeline

Decide when you plan to run your Club:

1. Fall Semester (First day of school through first day of Winter Recess)
2. Spring Semester (Post Winder Recess through the last day of school)
3. The entire Academic Year (Between First and last day of school)

Complete the GWC Application

Once you've figured out these details, you're ready to apply by filling out a Clubs Application! Follow the steps outlined in our Start a Club guide.

1. The application should only take about 15 minutes to complete. After you submit the application, you'll receive instructions about our background check requirements via email.
2. Once you've completed the application and the background check requirements, you'll hear back about your Club status within a week.
3. Once approved, you'll receive a unique Club Code, which will give you access to our learning platform, HQ, and all of our training resources.
4. If you recruit additional volunteers to serve as Facilitators, you'll share that Code with them so they can use it to join your Club. Once the Club launches, Facilitators will share the Code with members so they can sign up for HQ as well.