Empowering Underserved Youth Through Coding

K-12 STEAM Education

Research (initial work to identify and understand the problem)

We are seeking to address the digital divide that exists in underserved communities in Los Angeles. This divide is not just about access to technology, but also about the opportunity to learn and develop skills in coding and programming. Without these skills, students in these communities are at a disadvantage in the job market and have fewer opportunities for economic advancement.

The Empowering LA through Coding and Programming Education initiative is a comprehensive strategy to tackle the lack of access to quality coding education in underserved Los Angeles communities. We will partner with local schools to improve and establish coding programs. Our unique approach encompasses providing coding resources, conducting teacher training for sustained program growth, inviting tech industry guest speakers to motivate students, and setting up coding clubs and competitions to encourage a love for coding and programming among students.

If our work is successful, we envision a Los Angeles County where access to quality coding and programming education is not determined by one's socioeconomic status. This will lead to more students from underserved communities securing high-paying jobs in not only tech but other industries as well, contributing to the reduction of income inequality. Our long-term plan includes scaling our program to reach all schools in the county, making coding education a norm rather than an exception.

First we will define success by the improvement in students' coding skills and their interest in pursuing careers in tech or other industries. Second we will measure success by conducting pre- and post-program assessments to gauge students' skill improvement and by tracking the number of students who express interest in pursuing careers in tech or other industries after participating in our program. Third we will measure success by conducting pre- and post-program assessments to gauge students' skill improvement and by tracking the number of students who express interest in pursuing careers in tech or other industries after participating in our program.