Hi there,

Cue the confetti! As graduates around the country celebrate, this week we’re shining a light on the Girls Who Code College Loops Class of 2026. 🎉

Our College Loops program helps students build community on campus while connecting them with resources and early career opportunities to help them thrive in tech. Today, there are over 300 active Girls Who Code College Loops across the country. 

This year’s graduates are heading into exciting next chapters, and they’re sharing advice for students following in their footsteps.

That chapter begins soon for UCLA College Loops President Mehrnaz Bastani. She’s graduating this month with a degree in statistics and data science before starting as a cybersecurity associate at NBCUniversal. Her advice is a reminder to keep going, even when the path gets hard.

“Have hope. There are so many challenges that’ll present themselves, but each will make you stronger!”

Virginia Tech College Loop founder Ivy Brundege just received dual degrees in computer science and computational neuroscience. She’s now headed to a PhD program in computational neuroscience. Ivy encourages students to ground themselves in curiosity and persistence.

“See yourself first as curious and a hard worker. Your skills will fluctuate and develop over time, but your work ethic is something you can always identify with, even when times are tough!”

For University of Michigan-Dearborn College Loops member Alyamama Abdo, growth comes from being willing to try. She received her degree in software engineering and will spend her summer at Accenture as a security analyst. Her advice is simple, but powerful.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things and put yourself out there. Do it scared. A lot of times, that’s when you grow the most!”

To our College Loops Class of 2026, thank you for leading with curiosity and courage. We can’t wait to see where you go next! 💙

Are you looking to find your tech community on campus? Learn more about College Loops and apply to start one at your school.

IN THE LOOP WITH GWC

CAREER RESOURCES

GET READY FOR YOUR SUMMER INTERNSHIP OR JOB 😎 Starting a new role this summer? Take 15 minutes to explore tips and recommendations for thriving in your internship or job. Mark the activity as complete by Thursday, June 11, and you’ll be entered into a raffle for a $20 gift card. See official rules for the IBM Summer Internship Prep Giveaway.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR 18+ MEMBERS

Looking to build your network or explore a career in tech? Join us for upcoming opportunities designed for college students, recent grads, and early-career technologists.

• JUNE 10 | Network with S&P Global professionals 🤝Join Girls Who Code x S&P Global Speed Networking for a virtual opportunity to ask career questions, meet professionals, and build confidence in a supportive, small-group setting. Register here.
• JUNE 23 | Meet us in LA with Apollo 🌴 Girls Who Code alumni and 18+ community members are invited to an in-person MeetUp with Apollo in Los Angeles. Join us for networking, snacks, and GWC merch while connecting with peers and professionals in the LA tech scene. Space is limited, and registration closes June 18 or when capacity is reached. Save your seat. 

WHERE TO FIND US THIS MONTH

SAY HELLO TO US AT AN UPCOMING CONFERENCE 👋 The Girls Who Code team will be exhibiting at two conferences this month. If you’re attending, stop by our booth to say hello and learn more about our programs.

• JUNE 26-30 | ALA 2026 | Chicago, IL
• JUNE 28-JULY 1| ISTE/ASCD 2026 | Orlando, FL

THE LATEST BUZZ

THESE ENGINEERS ARE TAKING MENSTRUAL HEALTH TO NEW HEIGHTS 🚀Engineers and astronauts-in-training Priya Abiram and Manju Bangalore are behind Redshift Lab, Operation Period’s new project studying menstruation on Earth and in space. Their goal is to improve health for women in spaceflight, sports, and everyday life.

MEET HOLLYWOOD’S NEXT AI POWER PLAYER 🎬 Cecilia Shen, a former Google X data scientist and AI solutions engineer, is using her tech background to shape the future of film. Her company, Utopai Studios, partners with filmmakers to create AI-generated worlds, characters, and scenes that can be used on set.