About Hackergal
Reshaping who leads, who builds, and who belongs in STEAM.
Our Vision
Hackergal’s vision is a Canada where every girl* and gender diverse learner sees themselves as a future leader and innovator in STEAM.
We are committed to transforming the tech industry into a diverse and inclusive space that reflects the talent and potential of underrepresented groups. By equipping learners with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive, we are reshaping the landscape of technology — ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute, innovate, and succeed. Together, we are building a future where technology serves as a powerful tool for equity and progress.
Our Mission
Hackergal is closing the gender gap by reshaping who leads, who builds, and who belongs in STEAM through future-ready learning experiences.
Hackergal’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Hackergal is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome the participation of girls, gender-diverse, non-binary, and two-spirit learners. We use an inclusive definition of “girls” and “women” and welcome the participation of all learners who identify as girls.
​Our Values
Hackergal is driven by equity, education, and community, values that shape our programs, services, and mission to empower and inspire girls* and gender-diverse learners in technology.
Equity
Hackergal is dedicated to advancing equity by creating safe, inclusive learning environments, empowering diverse leaders and expanding access to essential digital skills for all.
Education
Hackergal fosters learning through the development of digital skills, educator support, and inclusive programs, inspiring growth and equipping the next generation as technology shapes daily life.
Community
Hackergal drives change by uniting partners, educators, and communities to close the gender gap and empower girls* and gender-diverse learners to envision futures in technology.
There’s just one problem
Though girls are interested in STEAM, significantly fewer of them expressed belief in their abilities compared to boys.
A recent study found that only 22% of girls name technology as a favourite subject in school. When asked how good they would be at a STEM job, far fewer girls (24%) thought they would be good at the role compared to boys (43%). The impacts of these early influences persist throughout a woman’s life, with far-reaching economic and societal consequences.
SOURCE: Women in STEM Careers, Where we are in 2023, Ranstad
What this means
Girls are Being Left Behind…
Long held societal beliefs about women’s roles, discrimination in the workplace and lack of opportunity discourages girls from pursuing computer science. In the past 30+ years, the percentage of women working in STEM has barely changed. In 1987, women represented 20% of the STEM workforce, today they still only represent, 23% in Canada.
Current state for girls & women in STEM
13%
of girls consider a job in tech
20%
Women in STEM in 1987
23%
Women in STEM in 2019
The Future is Bright with Your Support
Hackergal is transforming the STEAM industry by empowering girls and gender-diverse learners to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
Hackergal nurtures the curiosity of girls* and gender-diverse learners in STEAM, providing a safe space to explore and build confidence through grades 6-12. Educators play a key role in inspiring the next generation by introducing coding and digital literacy in the classroom. By taking on mentorship roles, they help create a supportive community where girls see themselves as future innovators and leaders.
Our Impact
After our Hackathons:
75%
of girls* and gender-diverse learners became more interested in technology careers after participating in our Hackathons.
95%
of girls* and gender-diverse learners really enjoyed our Hackathon.
Program Areas
Closing the Gender Gap in Tech Through Education and Community
The underrepresentation of women in technology remains a significant challenge, with girls* and gender-diverse learners facing systemic barriers that limit their access, confidence, and opportunities in STEAM fields. Hackergal is tackling this challenge through two key program areas—Programs for Learners and Programs for Educators—designed to foster inclusion, build essential skills, and create a supportive community for future tech leaders.
Programs for Learners
Our programs provide hands-on coding experiences, workshops, and national challenges that build confidence and digital skills. We create a safe space where students can explore STEAM and connect with peers and mentors.
Programs for Educators
We support educators with the tools and resources to bring coding into the classroom. Our programs empower teachers to create inclusive learning environments and inspire diverse students to pursue STEAM careers.
Join us in shaping a diverse future in STEAM—get involved!
Your support helps us close the gender gap in tech by providing girls* and gender-diverse learners with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we can build a more inclusive future where everyone has the chance to innovate and lead in STEAM.