Code Girls United
About Code Girls United
Code Girls United starts with something simple and powerful, girls getting free access to coding and business education in rural and tribal Montana. From there, students build apps that respond to real community problems, practice public speaking, and work toward scholarship opportunities. It is the kind of program that gives girls practical skills now and a clearer view of what comes next.
What sets Code Girls United apart is how much it asks girls to do with what they learn. Students are not just coding, they are building, presenting, planning, and competing. The organization also extends its reach through a free AI Academy and a tribal high school pilot, keeping the focus on girls across Montana.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Free After School Coding & Business Program
Yearlong, weekly after-school programming for girls in grades 4 through 12, with computer science fundamentals in the first half of the year and team-based app building, business planning, and presentations in the second half.
Tribal High School Coding
A pilot high school program for one reservation school, designed to teach computer science concepts, coding, app making, and business skills with culturally relevant content.
Online Learning Program
An online version of the statewide curriculum with the same weekly structure and learning progression as the in-person program.
AI Academy
A free online learning channel with activities and curriculum covering AI fundamentals, practical use, and introductory project work.
App Challenge
A virtual competition where girls design, code, and present apps that solve community problems and compete for scholarship prizes.
Advanced Program
An advanced model that uses the same structure as the core program but adds Python and JavaScript learning.
Junior Leaders and Leaders Program
A leadership pathway for students connected to the organization’s program growth and student mentorship.
Summer Camps
Summer learning opportunities for younger and older students, including Coding Groovy Unicorns and CyberCat Camps.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To empower girls with technology literacy and business skills through engaging programs that build confidence and unlock future career opportunities.
Who they serve
Girls in grades 4 through 12, especially girls in rural and tribal communities in Montana.
Their impact
- 2,333 students
- 296 apps created
- 103 scholarships
- 390 students in the after-school program
- 25 students in the tribal high school coding program
- 15 students in the online learning program
How your donation helps
- Free after-school coding and business classes
- AI Academy online learning content and activities
- Summer camps for younger and older students
- Scholarship prizes for App Challenge teams
- Program expansion in rural and tribal communities across Montana
Our story
Code Girls United began in fall 2016, when 28 girls gathered with laptops in the basement of Sykes Diner in Kalispell to learn to code. Marianne Smith created and taught that first program, and it grew into a statewide organization serving girls across Montana.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Code Girls United’s services.
Girls in grades 4 through 12 can register for free after-school programming, and students can also participate in online learning, summer camps, or the App Challenge. Questions and enrollment requests can be sent to info@codegirlsunited.org or 406-300-4280.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Code Girls United is where Coding, Technology, and Business Unite!
Code Girls United provides free, after school programs that promote career readiness and tools for self-sufficiency.
Our team’s presentation moved to the phase where the judges asked questions, and our once shy girl answered the questions with confidence and poise.
Events
App Challenge
annualA virtual competition for 4th through 8th grade girl teams, held on the last Saturday in April, where students present apps they designed to solve community problems.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Code Girls United has shared.
Current needs
- Judges for the App Challenge
- Moderators for the App Challenge
- Sponsors for the App Challenge
- Volunteers for programs and events
Volunteer opportunities
- Afterschool programs
- Summer programs
- Board service
- Board committees
- App Challenge judge
- Fundraising
- Events
- Teach or volunteer in programs
- Alumni participation
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- 2024 Northwest Regional App Challenge winners
- 2025 Congressional App Challenge winners in both Montana districts
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can participate in the main after-school program?
Girls in grades 4 through 12 can join the yearlong after-school program.
How does the after-school program work?
Students meet once a week after school during the year. The first half focuses on computer science basics, then the second half shifts into team app building and business planning around a community problem.
What happens in the App Challenge?
Teams pick a community problem, build an app and business plan, present their work, and compete for scholarship prizes.
Is there an online option?
Yes. Code Girls United offers an online learning program and a free AI Academy.
Similar nonprofits
Other youth development - business nonprofits in MT.