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 2021, Travelers 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 taught by Girls Who Code staff. As part of the 2021 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.”  

The Summer Immersion Program culminated with a project showcase, in which the students presented their classwork and participated in an activity with our Travelers team. In a survey conducted at the beginning of the program, 55% of the students said they were interested in pursuing a tech career. Following the program, that number jumped to 83%, and 69% of them shared that they were likely to apply for an internship at Travelers.

Community Benefits

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

Travelers Benefits

• This program is aligned with our commitment to lead the industry in advocating for women in insurance, including through SHE Travels^® and our various initiatives to help broaden and enhance the pipeline of women technologists through EmpowHER+.
• 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.