Growing Tech Talent

Women make up just 24% of the U.S. computing workforce – down from 37% in 1995 – according to Girls Who Code, a nonprofit with the mission to close the gender gap in entry-level technology jobs.

In 2022, Travelers once again teamed up with Girls Who Code to provide a two-week virtual Summer Immersion Program focused on computer programming and technology job opportunities to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors across the United States. Half of the girls the organization serves come from historically underrepresented groups.

The program engaged the students in a computer science curriculum and workshops taught by Girls Who Code staff and supported by approximately 80 Travelers employee volunteers. As part of the program, Travelers led workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence, mentoring, resume building and job interviewing. Employee volunteers from EmpowHER+, our women’s professional group in Technology & Operations, organized and facilitated the workshops.

“We’re committed to building a talent pipeline of women and individuals of color into tech roles at Travelers, and that starts in high school and college when girls are imagining themselves in the roles they want to pursue when they finish school,” said Mojgan Lefebvre, Travelers Chief Technology Officer. “Bringing in and providing mentorship to girls and women with diverse backgrounds and perspectives enhances our entire organization and opens up new opportunities for us to evolve and enhance our tech capabilities.”  

In a survey conducted at the beginning of the program, 94% of students indicated that they hadn't heard of Travelers, and by the end, 82% responded that they were likely to apply for a Travelers internship. Since 2020, there are 140 alumni from the Travelers-sponsored Summer Immersion Program, including five who Travelers recently hired following a Girls Who Code virtual hiring summit.

Community Benefits

• The program provided hands-on computer science experience and networking opportunities to girls considering college and career paths in technology and operations.

Travelers Benefits

• The program is aligned with our commitment to lead the industry in advocating for women in insurance, including through our various EmpowHER+ initiatives to help broaden and enhance the pipeline of women technologists.
• The program introduced students to Travelers as potential future employees or customers.
• Employee volunteers had an opportunity to build their own capabilities, such as project management and presentation skills, which helps us develop our talent base.
• Travelers participants expressed satisfaction with the company making an investment in youth, which deepens engagement and helps with retention.