Girls Leading Our World with Code
OUR MISSION
At Girls Leading Our World with Code (GLOW Code), we are committed to developing digital leaders who are as diverse and inclusive as the world they aim to shape. Our mission goes beyond skill development; we strive to empower young girls to break through the economic, geographic, and gender barriers that limit their opportunities.
GLOW Code summer camps offer a free 2-week program where girls not only learn coding but also acquire essential leadership and empowerment skills. Our approach is simple yet transformative: we introduce young girls to technology and leadership in a fun and engaging way, helping them build a solid foundation of positive values for their future ambitions and career paths.
Our vision includes creating a sustainable educational model that combats brain drain in underserved communities. In 2024, we empowered 13 local talents—youth pursuing STEM degrees in the capital—to return as Coding Instructors in their hometowns. This homecoming of knowledge and skills initiates a cycle of growth and community self-sufficiency. Additionally, we introduced a Junior Instructor program in 2024, training 9 graduates from the 2023 GLOW Code camps. These young leaders volunteered to pay it forward to the next generation of GLOW Coders in a demonstration of their commitment to these values.
The GLOW Code model not only enriches the local tech ecosystem but also ensures the longevity and relevance of our mission.
OUR REACH
In 2023, we launched our first pilot in Gramsh. In 2024, we expanded to 7 camps across all Albania throughout the entire summer. In 2025, we’re looking to expand further!
Where we held our camps in 2024:
| Peshkopi | June 24 - July 5 |
| Gramsh | July 1 - July 12 |
| Fushë Krujë | July 15 - July 26 |
| Lushnjë | August 12 - August 23 |
| Ersekë | August 19 - August 30 |
| Kukës | August 26 - Sept. 6 |
| Bushat | August 26 - Sept. 6 |
TESTIMONIALS
"GLOW Code gave me the opportunity to code while promoting feelings of positivity. I not only learned tech skills, but also how to grow from mistakes, to work together in groups, and to communicate with others. We shared in our struggles and successes."
Fjona
GLOW Code Graduate & Jr Instructor
OUR IMPACT
GLOW Code’s Impact: More than Just Code
Download our 2023 and 2024 Impact Reports to find out how!
2023 Impact Report
who would repeat the experience
who wanted GLOW to last longer than 2 weeks
who'd like to pursue a career in STEM after GLOW
who completed a personal website
OUR FINANCES
Our average GLOW Code summer camp costs $2,750 for 16 campers over 10 days or $17.19 per day per camper. For comparison, a recent EU-sponsored workshop in Albania cost $200 per day youth attendee. GLOW Code operates at a significantly lower cost thanks to community contributions and management by US Peace Corps volunteers. Additionally, organizers applied lessons from the 2023 pilot to bring down costs 45% from $5,000.
OUR TEAM
Instructors and volunteers from within your community and around the world giving their time for GLOW Code 2024
Monika
Head of Coding
A dentist turned coder who traded bites for bytes
Anxhela
Coding Instructor
See the world as a beautiful collection of what ifs and for loops
Rejana
Board Member
Turning stress into success, one keystroke at a time
Maria
Peace Corps Volunteer
A determined decaf drinker in a country of caffeination
JOIN OUR TEAM
We’re always looking for allies to help create future digital leaders of tomorrow. Whether you want to become an instructor, donate financially, or simply want to reach out with a great idea, please send a message to contact@glowcode.org.
OUR PARTNERS
