Vonage and Girls Who Code Train the Next Generation of Developers

Dreams ignite imaginations, refute restrictions, and promote possibilities. Dreams also empower us with a simple and direct belief: You can do this. For girls whose dreams include careers in AI and technology, Vonage is taking action to help them succeed.

This summer, Vonage is partnering with Girls Who Code to offer free training and mentorship related to careers in technology. Vonage will bring expertise in network powered solutions and communications APIs to the Girls Who Code Pathways program, which helps students build skills and learn about tech careers directly from professionals. The sessions will arm students with early exposure and first-hand experience with the technologies of the future. 

Critical talent pipeline

The partnership addresses a growing concern among young people entering the workforce. Powerful AI technologies can accelerate careers, yet studies show employment declines for entry-level workers in AI-exposed fields. The keys to overcoming that gap are training and early experience. Vonage wants to give the next generation the knowledge and the tools they need to understand AI, APIs, and other core technologies of today and the future — creating a critical talent pipeline.

“Enabling access to advanced technology education programs for the workforce of the future through globally recognized organizations like Girls Who Code is key to equipping the next generation of developer talent,” said Neelam Sandhu, Vonage Chief Marketing Officer. “We are proud to support programs that empower young builders with network APIs and communications APIs, and enable a more connected, sustainable future."

The virtual summer experience equips students with critical computer science skills and exposure to real-world tech careers. The curriculum includes development, cybersecurity, AI, data science, and game design tracks. Students gain hands-on coding and development experience while learning directly from industry leaders and partners.

“Vonage's commitment to our students is a testament to their dedication to helping young people develop the skills they need to thrive in tech,” said Dr. Jackie Blizzard-Caron, Vice President, Education, for Girls Who Code. “We are grateful for their support and participation in our summer program by mentoring students and helping them learn what a career in tech can look like and the opportunities that are available to help them define their career paths.”

A future for women in technology

Statistics show a clear gender gap remains for women working in tech fields, according to WomenHack:

• 26.7% of the tech workforce are women
• 29% of the C-suite at tech companies are women
• 50% of women working in tech leave by age 35
• 21% of computer science bachelor's degrees are awarded to women (down from 37% in 1984)
• 36% of the enrollment in coding bootcamps is female
• 30% of AP computer science test-takers are female

Girls Who Code alumni are earning computer science and related degrees at five times the national average, according to the organization. It’s clear that championing programs that introduce technology at an early age is an investment in the human infrastructure required to build, govern, and make AI-enabled platforms trustworthy over the next decade.

Vonage and Girls Who Code are preparing the next wave of IT and AI talent. Girls in the summer Pathways program form diverse teams with differing approaches to spot edge cases, challenge assumptions, and design inclusive solutions. The idea is to secure vital AI, security, and data science experience early and gain the confidence to:

• Adapt to dynamic settings and make every moment a learning opportunity
• Strengthen customer experience from local shops to large enterprises — with personal communications that AI cannot match
• Use AI in whatever industry they choose

The girls will be ready to build and refresh human capability with AI. After all, they represent next-gen AI builders and are key to technology resembling the users it serves — and that means better and safer products.

“It’s more than just a feel-good initiative; it’s a blueprint for a sustainable AI talent pipeline,” said Zeus Kerravala, Founder and Principal Analyst with ZK Research. “By providing students with hands-on experience in web development, cybersecurity, and Vonage’s own APIs, they aren't just teaching ‘coding’ — they are building the diverse, AI-literate workforce the industry desperately needs.”

There’s never been a better time to dream of what’s next. Learn more about Girls Who Code and help train the future leaders of tech.