Introducing Middle School Girls to the Future of AI

On a bright June morning in 2023, 28 middle school girls from across Jabodetabek walked into Xendit Space with curiosity and questions. Most had never written a line of code. Some had barely heard of artificial intelligence beyond sci-fi movies. All of them left that day knowing they belonged in tech.

The IT Girls AI Summer Program was designed to bridge a critical gap: while AI transforms every industry, young women remain dramatically underrepresented in tech. We started early—targeting middle school girls at the exact age when many begin doubting their place in STEM fields.

Led by Stefani Kwan from Hacktiv8's curriculum development team, the one-day intensive workshop demystified AI through hands-on activities, real-world examples, and accessible explanations. Girls learned not just what AI is, but how it works, where it's used, and—most importantly—how they could build it themselves someday.

Beyond the technical content, something more powerful happened: 28 girls saw women leading in tech, learned they didn't need to be "naturally gifted" to understand AI, and discovered that asking questions was strength, not weakness.

Many participants left saying they'd never considered tech careers before. Now they were asking their parents about coding classes. That shift—from "tech isn't for me" to "maybe I could do this"—is exactly why programs like IT Girls matter.

Program Impact:

• 28 middle school girls gained foundational AI literacy
• First exposure to tech for 80%+ of participants
• Increased STEM interest measured through post-program surveys
• Community building among young women interested in technology

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