A healthier digital future for the youth of America. That is what young people, parents and educators want. And that is the goal that drives Young Futures to support solutions that tackle the pressures of growing up in a tech-driven world. Young Futures listens directly to young people and draws on research across the field to understand the pressures of growing up in a digital world. Those insights shape its funding challenges, which support nonprofits working at the intersection of youth wellbeing and technology. Through storytelling, Young Futures amplifies their work and the experiences of the young people they serve. Beyond funding, it serves as a convener, bringing nonprofit leaders, funders, researchers and storytellers together to exchange ideas and advance solutions that help young people thrive.
Created by Sierrah Paul, Code Girls United, Program Coordinator.
Technology Literacy for Young Girls
One of the emerging nonprofit organizations in this space being supported by Young Futures is Code Girls United. The Code Girls United mission is to empower girls in rural and Tribal communities in Montana with technology literacy and business skills through engaging programs that build confidence and unlock future career opportunities. Through free after-school programs, girls in grades 4-12 gain education and resources in coding, AI, cybersecurity and problem-solving while developing the confidence, leadership skills and sense of agency needed to navigate an increasingly digital world. By helping girls understand and create technology rather than simply consume it, Code Girls United equips young people with the ability to engage with technology in healthier, more informed and more empowering ways.
Students Become Teachers
Beyond technical skills, Code Girls United participants gain self-confidence, develop meaningful relationships with peers and mentors and gain a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. These experiences help young people grow as leaders while strengthening the social and emotional foundations that support well-being and help them thrive in school, relationships and the complex digital landscape.
Isabelle Ashley and Emma Anderson are examples of two young women who participated in Code Girls United as young girls and have gone on to college and now teach and mentor other young girls in the program. Their thoughts and reflections on their experiences illustrate how access to mentorship, community and opportunities to lead can help young people build self-assurance, connection and a belief in their own potential.
Code Girls United mentor, Isabelle Ashley, speaking on the community impact of AI data centers in Montana during the 2026 Trellis Conference.
“Code Girls United has been life-changing, giving me the opportunity to discover my passion for computer science, build confidence and develop skills in teamwork, communication and problem solving. Starting as a shy 10-year-old, I grew into a confident student who is now pursuing a Computer Science degree at Montana State University. The support of women mentors and the opportunity to share my work inspired me to believe in my abilities and pursue my goals. Now, as a teacher in the program, I’m proud to help other girls build the same confidence and discover their own potential.” – Isabelle Ashley
Code Girls United mentor, Emma Anderson.
“Code Girls United provides incredible opportunities for girls across Montana to develop essential computer and digital literacy skills while building confidence and communication abilities. For girls in rural communities, the program bridges gaps in access to technology education and empowers them to create solutions to real-world challenges. Even though I’m pursuing degrees in Political Science and International Business rather than STEM, the skills I gained through Code Girls United continue to benefit me in my education and future career. As a mentor, it’s incredibly rewarding to help younger girls discover their potential and prepare for success in an increasingly digital world.” – Emma Anderson
Code Girls United helps young girls build the skills, resilience and self-assurance needed to navigate both the online and offline worlds. Through technology literacy, mentorship and leadership development, participants develop supportive peer connections, discover new possibilities for their future and build the confidence to navigate challenges and pursue their goals. These experiences not only prepare girls for educational and career success, but also foster belonging, adaptability and overall well-being.
“While the girls learn about technology, the larger goal is to teach them transferable skills that they can take forward into whatever career they end up going into and carry into all aspects of their lives,” said Marianne Smith, CEO of Code Girls United.
With support from Young Futures, girls in Montana are empowered to shape their own futures and contribute to a healthier digital future for all young people.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to see themselves as an innovator and leader in our digital world,” said Katya Hancock, CEO of Young Futures. “Code Girls United is helping make that vision a reality by bringing digital literacy, coding and technology education to young girls in Montana’s rural and Tribal communities. By equipping these girls with the skills and confidence to understand and shape technology, Code Girls United is helping build a more inclusive digital world where young women can thrive.”
To learn more about the important work being done by Young Futures and Code Girls United, please click the links below:
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