Nov. 19--Code.org has brought in the royal women of Arendelle to get girls interested in computer science.
In its latest initiative to introduce more girls and students from other underrepresented groups to coding, the nonprofit organization has teamed with Disney to launch a "Frozen"-themed computer science tutorial.
The tutorial features heroines Anna and Elsa from Disney's 2013 hit, which this year knocked "Toy Story 3" off its throne to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Launched as part of Code.org's Hour of Code campaign, a worldwide effort to broaden participation in computer science, students will learn to write code to help Anna and Elsa draw snowflakes and snowmen, and perform magical "ice craft."
Disney is also donating $100,000 to support Code.org's efforts to bring computer science education to after-school programs nationwide.
Code.org's Hour of Code is one of many recent efforts by technology organizations to encourage girls to take an interest in computer science. Google in June launched its Made with Code initiative, which includes introductory programs and partnerships with Girl Scouts of the USA and Girls Inc., while nonprofit Girls Who Code launched in spring of 2012 with a range of summer immersion programs and clubs to equip girls with computing skills
