Girls’ IT Bootcamp 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany: A Unique STEM Experience for Young Girls Aged 10–17

The Girls’ IT Bootcamp 2026 is an exciting educational initiative designed to inspire young girls to explore careers and opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Organized at the European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, this immersive two-day program will take place on 23–24 April 2026 and aims to encourage more girls to develop an interest in technology and digital innovation at an early age.

The bootcamp offers participants a chance to learn directly from experts, engage in hands-on activities, and discover how technology plays a crucial role in modern society. With the global demand for STEM professionals continuing to rise, programs like the Girls’ IT Bootcamp are essential in helping bridge the gender gap in technology and engineering fields.

Registration for the program is currently open and will close on 19 March 2026 at 9:00 AM CET. Eligible participants are encouraged to apply early as places are limited.

Discover the World of STEM at the European Central Bank

STEM refers to four critical academic and professional fields: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These disciplines are increasingly shaping the future of innovation, economic development, and global problem-solving.

Despite their growing importance, women remain underrepresented in STEM professions worldwide. The Girls’ IT Bootcamp was created to address this gap by inspiring girls to discover their potential in technology and digital innovation.

Hosted at the ECB’s main building in Frankfurt, the program provides a unique opportunity for young participants to explore the exciting possibilities of the IT world in a supportive and engaging environment. Through practical workshops, team collaboration, and interactive sessions with professionals, participants gain valuable insight into the world of technology.

Program Overview

The Girls’ IT Bootcamp will take place over two days at the ECB premises in Frankfurt, Germany. During this time, participants will engage in a range of workshops, technology demonstrations, and collaborative activities designed to stimulate creativity and curiosity.

A total of 24 places are available for this edition of the bootcamp. Participants will be divided into two age groups to ensure an age-appropriate learning experience:

• 12 places for girls aged 10–13
• 12 places for girls aged 14–17

All participants are selected randomly from those who successfully register and meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the application form and program terms and conditions. The bootcamp is open to first-time participants only, ensuring that new students can benefit from the opportunity each year.

Importantly, no previous knowledge or experience in information technology is required. The program is designed to introduce beginners to the basics of programming, problem-solving, and digital innovation in an accessible and enjoyable way.

The entire bootcamp will be conducted in English.

What Participants Will Experience

Participants will engage in several hands-on activities designed to introduce them to the world of technology and innovation. These activities include interactive workshops, creative problem-solving exercises, and technology demonstrations.

One of the key highlights of the program is the Design Thinking Workshop, where participants will learn how to approach real-world problems using creative problem-solving techniques. This methodology encourages collaboration, innovation, and practical thinking.

Another exciting part of the program involves bringing a LEGO robot to life, allowing participants to explore the fundamentals of robotics and programming. This hands-on experience helps participants understand how coding and engineering concepts translate into real-world technological applications.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the ECB Banknotes Lab, where they will learn about the technological and scientific processes involved in the creation and security of euro banknotes.

In addition, participants will enjoy a guided tour of the ECB main building, giving them a rare opportunity to explore the workplace environment of one of Europe’s most important financial institutions.

Bootcamp Schedule

Day 1 – 23 April 2026

The first day begins with registration at the ECB Security Service Centre, followed by a welcome session introducing participants to the bootcamp and its objectives.

Participants will then take part in a Design Thinking Workshop, where they will learn the fundamentals of innovation and problem-solving. After a lunch break, the workshop will continue, allowing participants to further develop their ideas and collaborate with their peers.

Later in the afternoon, participants will take a guided tour of the ECB Main Building, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the institution.

The first day concludes at 17:30, when parents or guardians will pick up the participants.

Day 2 – 24 April 2026

The second day begins with morning registration followed by one of the most exciting activities of the program: bringing a LEGO robot to life. During this session, participants will learn the basics of programming and robotics through interactive experimentation.

After lunch, participants will visit the ECB Banknotes Lab, where they will explore the scientific and technological processes involved in currency design and security.

The program concludes with a closing ceremony, where participants will celebrate their achievements and reflect on their experience. The bootcamp officially ends at 16:30.

Participation and Logistics

Participation in the Girls’ IT Bootcamp is completely free of charge. The organizers provide all necessary equipment required for the workshops, as well as lunch during the two-day event.

However, participants and their families are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of travel to Frankfurt, accommodation, and transportation to and from the venue.

Due to the limited number of places available, interested participants should complete their online registration as soon as possible.

Testimonials from Previous Participants

Since its launch in 2022, the Girls’ IT Bootcamp has welcomed many young participants who discovered new passions and gained confidence in their abilities.

A previous participant named Marta, aged 14, shared that she initially believed she knew nothing about IT. However, after attending the bootcamp, she realized that she had more knowledge and potential than she thought, which encouraged her to continue exploring the field.

Another participant, Anja, aged 11, described the bootcamp as an enjoyable experience where she particularly appreciated working with girls from different countries and experimenting in the ECB Banknotes Lab.

Even the President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, highlighted the importance of initiatives like this in encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.

How to Apply

Applications for the Girls’ IT Bootcamp must be submitted through the official online registration form.

Applicants must carefully review the program’s terms and conditions before submitting their application.

Registration closes on 19 March 2026 at 9:00 AM CET.

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