Empowering Girls in CS: The Impact of Digital Girls Outreach Camp

Abstract

In recent years, despite the growth of initiatives aimed at improving the gender gap in STEM disciplines, the number
of girls choosing academic and professional paths in fields such as computer science (CS) remains limited. To counteract this
phenomenon, initiatives like the Digital Girls Summer Camp, which has been running for over ten years for girls about to
make university choices, offer practical and engaging experiences designed to spark interest in technological subjects.
Through activities such as programming and video game design on advanced platforms like Unreal Engine, participants
acquire technical skills and confidence in their abilities, supported by female educators and mentors who serve as role
models. The camp follows a gradual learning approach, starting with simple concepts and progressing to complex projects,
thus stimulating the participants’ interest. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the most recent editions of the
initiative by using a qualitative and quantitative approach to evaluate how the girls change their perception of their
technological abilities and interest in CS. Through the submission of pre- and post-camp questionnaires, it is possible to assess
the increase in interest in STEM careers, as well as analyze the perception of the figure of the computer scientist before and
after the camp experience. The work describes how participation in the camp has significantly contributed to shifting
perceptions toward computer science, showcasing how hands-on experience and exposure to positive role models can
transform the image of the computer scientist, inspiring participants to view it as an inclusive and dynamic profession.