2023-2024 Hackergal
Annual Impact Report
Letter from the Executive Director
When asked what advice she’d give incoming Hackergals, a 2023-24 Ambassador wrote: “Take advantage of opportunities that come your way, especially those outside your comfort zone…that is how you truly grow!” This reflection often comes up in my conversations with learners and facilitators across the country. In many ways, our organization’s mission is to encourage more educators, girls and gender-diverse learners to step outside their comfort zones in service of the greater goal of achieving gender equity in Canadian tech.
The security felt in our Coding Clubs encourages learners to take brave steps toward the unfamiliar. We are so grateful to the facilitators who create these safe spaces for curious minds. This past year, our staff were privileged to visit Clubs in rural Saskatchewan and British Columbia schools, and in community centers like the Immigrants Working Centre in Hamilton, Ontario and the Jean Augustine Centre in Etobicoke, Ontario.
In addition to encouraging exploration, our learners are challenged to make a difference. In our Ambassador Program, participants created prototypes for solutions to global problems including climate change, food security, and mental health. The skills and ambition showcased in these presentations were evidence of the participants’ willingness to push themselves beyond the status quo.
Hackergal will always be inspired by our learners across Canada. In 2024-25 we look forward to delivering new programming and curriculum in service of our mission to close the gender gap in tech. Join us as we step outside our comfort zone and continue growing our impact!
Hackergal’s 2023/2024 Programming
Hackergal continues to inspire girls across Canada to explore coding and technology, fostering the next generation of leaders in technology. Through a combination of hands-on learning, mentorship, and community building, Hackergal’s programming provides girls with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.
Hackergal’s National Hackathon Program offers over 55 hours of bilingual digital skills education, inspiring middle school girls across Canada to explore the world of technology through Coding Clubs and hands-on learning. This program culminates in Canada’s largest all-girl Hackathon, where participants collaborate to code projects that drive social change.
“The Hackergal Hackathon has inspired me to keep going further into my coding and graphic design hobbies and always be open to learning new skills and technological tricks. Before I attended a Hackathon, I knew about the existence of coding but I was never really that into it. Now, after attending 3 Hackathons so far, I have become inspired and motivated to keep coding and coding is now one of my favorite hobbies to do.”
– Learner, Grade 8, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Hackergal’s National Ambassador Program empowers high school girls who are passionate about technology by providing them with mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Through this multi-year program, Ambassadors develop leadership skills by hosting coding clubs for middle school girls, creating a pipeline of future women and gender-diverse tech leaders. Ambassadors also had the unique opportunity to learn directly from accomplished women in tech at virtual events, building strong networks and gaining inspiration from each other. Through collaborative group work, co-hosting clubs, and social activities, these young leaders formed a supportive community committed to mutual growth.
“The Ambassador Program has significantly broadened my understanding of the opportunities within computer science, and technology. Through engaging workshops and mentorship from industry experts, I have gained insights into cutting-edge advancements and practical applications in these fields. My passion for computer science has deepened as I explored topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career at the intersection of technology and innovation, where I can contribute to solving complex global challenges and drive progress in diverse sectors.”
– Azka S., Year 1 Ambassador, Ontario
Hackergal Hub is Hackergal’s free online learning portal, supporting learners and educators with over 60 hours of comprehensive coding curriculum available in both English and French. This accessible, interactive platform allows girls to explore coding at their own pace, while providing teachers and facilitators with the resources needed to guide them. Hackergal Hub is utilized for all Hackergal programming.
Together, these programs are helping to close Canada’s gender gap in technology, empowering thousands of girls to become coding creators and leaders.
Hackergal’s Impact Since 2015
Total facilitators
Total learners
Total partner organizations and schools
Hackergal’s 2023/2024 Impact
Total # of learners
Total # of facilitators
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of facilitators recommend Hackergal programming
Total # of learner training opportunities
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of learners interested in STEAM after programming
Total # of organizations
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of learners with increased knowledge in coding/digital skills after programming
Total # of provinces & territories in Hackergal's community
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of learners with increased confidence in coding/digital skills after programming
Hackergal proudly launched Level 3, an innovative course within its multi-level coding curriculum dedicated to developing an interactive adventure-style game. Through 9 engaging lessons and 11 dynamic video tutorials, learners explore the critical importance of cybersecurity, applying their knowledge to code a multi-level game that incorporates intricate puzzle-solving and strategic decision-making elements. This course not only equips learners with essential coding skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.
Hackergal introduced four new Lite Bytes resources, complete with six comprehensive video tutorials, expanding its library of accessible coding materials designed for learners to explore new skills. Notably, Hackergal launched its first-ever unplugged Lite Byte, empowering learners to grasp coding logic without the need for screens or devices. Additionally, Hackergal unveiled the Epic Design Powered by AI, Coded by You Lite Byte, a creative project designed by Freya, one of Hackergal’s Ambassadors. Drawing on her extensive knowledge and coding expertise, Freya guides learners in using code to create stunning digital art, merging creativity with technology.
Learner Testimonials
“Everything about collaborating with like minds and people who genuinely want to help you in your journey is incredible, especially in a male dominated field. The women in STEAM were also super inspiring, I cannot describe how much!”
– Bareera J., Calgary
“I really enjoyed having time to code, as I’ve been trying to learn for a few months now, never ended up understanding it until taking part in the Hackathon. The speakers for the live events were amazing, I felt myself hanging onto their every word. I’ve never thought about exploring Computer science as a potential career, up until now. Now, I’m seriously considering it. Asking the W.I.T questions during the Career fair was also entertaining, all of my burning questions were answered.”
– Alexandra, J., Calgary
HACKATHON WINNING PROJECTS
Every year, Hackergals from across the country submit their coding projects for expert judging in the week following the National Hackathon. This year’s projects were focused on cybersecurity, the Hackathon’s annual theme. Learners shared their innovative solutions to the world’s cybersecurity concerns at a competitive level!
Name(s) of Winners/Province: Stacy L – ON
Name(s) of Winners/Province: Bareera J, Calgary
Name(s) of Winners/Province: Kijana T, Ontario
HACKERGAL SCHOLARSHIPS 2023-2024
Hackergal x RBCx Innovation Scholarship
Name of Winner: Rumeza
Becoming a Hackergal Ambassador enabled me to practice the two things I love most: creating impact and empowering individuals like myself to do the same. The Hackergal community has shown me how success is never a one-man race, and how a strong network is the key to unlocking the doors of any opportunity. My ultimate goal is to use my experiences to empower the individuals around me to tap into the potential they have to change the world.
Hackergal x Fasken Inspire Scholarship
Name of Winner: Niyah
The opportunity to learn from like-minded girls and gain technical skills is how Hackergal sparked my interest in STEM. The opportunity to host a coding club and create themed projects helped me to discover my passion for programming. Each meeting only made me happier to have gone outside my comfort zone and taken this opportunity! Teaching girls to code and witnessing their development continues to inspire me! I hope to continue inspiring other young girls who look like me to pursue STEM!
OUR COMMUNITY
Learner Spotlight
Samia Hassan
1st Year Student at the University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario
Samia’s journey with Hackergal started when she was 11 years old and she attended a coding workshop. Since then, she continued to nurture her interest in coding through participating in HG programming and events. In 2020, she was invited to be part of the first ever Ambassador Program cohort. Throughout her time as an Ambassador, Samia embraced numerous opportunities to grow and contribute. She learned Lynx, co-hosted a Coding Club at Don Valley Middle School, and helped ifnite a passion for coding for 30 students, many of whom later pursued STEM related electives in high school. Samia also took on various roles in Hackergal events, randing from hosting Q&A sessions with guest speakers to becoming comfortable with public speaking. Notably, she became the first ambassador to co-host the annual Hackergal Hackathon in both English and French, showcasing her leadership and communication skills.
Facilitator Spotlight
Rhonda Head
Teacher, North Battleford Comprehensive High School
North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Rhonda Macdonald has been a dedicated educator for 17 years, currently teaching at North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. With a unique background in video game testing, Rhonda enjoys streaming her passion for gaming while raising money for charity. At NBCHS, Rhonda leads a thriving weekly coding club with 21 girls and gender-diverse students. She discovered Hackergal in 2018 and played a pivotal role in introducing it to Saskatchewan, with Cando Community School being one of the first participating schools. Rhonda believes that exposure to technology builds confidence in her students. One of her proudest moments is seeing a team of her grade 9 girls show interest in entering a robotics competition after being introduced to Hackergal. Hackergal visited NBCHS Coding Club during our 2023 Hackergal Day, where they had a spotlight feature during our event, viewed by learners across Canada!
Community Organization Spotlight
Immigrant Working Centre (IWC)
Hamilton, Ontario
IWC has over 35 years of experience supporting Newcomers in Hamilton and a rich history of aiding Newcomer women in particular. IWC’s impact has fostered a diverse and inclusive city that recognizes the significant and crucial contributions of Newcomers to Canada’s economy. Hackergal collaborated with IWC to offer coding workshops to Newcomer girls and gender-diverse learners while their parents participated in IWC’s LINC programming from January 2nd until January 5th, 2024. It was the first coding workshop experience for IWC, and the participants showed strong interest, expressing their desire for more coding courses or workshops in the future. Participating in this workshop had a tremendous impact on the learners, boosting their self-confidence in writing code and programming. It was a positive experience for both learners and facilitators.
Sponsor Spotlight
Hydro One
For the past three years Hydro One’s Technology division has chosen Hackergal to be their “Charity of Choice” recipient as part of their annual Power to Give charity campaign. Hydro One’s continued support has empowered countless young girls across Canada to explore coding and technology, fostering confidence and breaking barriers in STEAM. Together, we’ve made a significant impact, inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders. Thank you, Hydro One, for your unwavering belief in our mission and commitment to positive change.
Marsha Dorscht, St. Edith Stein Elementary School
Deborah Putzu, Special Education Resource Teacher, St. Bernard of Clairvaux C.E.S./Mississauga North Learners
SPONSORS
– Heather, Senior Accessibility & User Experience Engineer at Coconut Software
Sponsors making a big change in our Community
OUR 2023 FINANCIALS
REPORTS
Download PDF of Hackergal Day Impact Report 2022
Download PDF of Annual Ambassador Report
