News Summary
The Charleston Women in Tech have initiated a program to inspire young coders in the community by providing coding sessions at St. Julian Divine. This program aims to eliminate transportation barriers for children, enabling access to technology education. Local professionals from companies like Volvo and Boeing volunteer as mentors, guiding students through a fun and interactive coding curriculum. The initiative, which focuses on serving underserved communities, emphasizes the importance of fostering a diverse tech workforce. The current coding sessions will conclude on May 13.
Charleston is witnessing a new initiative aimed at inspiring young coders in local communities through a program launched by Charleston Women in Tech. This initiative focuses on introducing children to technology and coding, with sessions being held at St. Julian Divine in downtown Charleston.
The program is designed to break down transportation barriers that often prevent children from accessing vital technology education. By hosting sessions in neighborhoods, it aims to bring coding opportunities right to the doorsteps of those who need them most. Each coding session accommodates about 15 to 20 students, allowing for a more personalized and engaging learning experience.
Students in the program work with a curriculum sourced from code.org, a well-known platform aimed at promoting computer science education. The sessions incorporate fun and interactive elements like music and LED lights to stimulate interest and engagement among participants, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.
Local professionals from major companies such as Volvo and Boeing volunteer their time as mentors in the program. These mentors provide valuable insights into potential careers in technology, guiding children as they gain fundamental coding skills. The combination of hands-on learning and expert mentorship is a critical component of the initiative’s efforts to position young coders for future success in the technology sector.
Charleston Women in Tech’s program is a part of a broader movement emphasizing the importance of fostering a diverse tech workforce. The initiative has been running for several years and aims to expand its reach to encourage more children, particularly from underserved communities, to explore careers in tech. The current session of coding classes is set to conclude on May 13.
The Charleston Women in Tech organization is also associated with Charleston Tech Week, taking place from April 24 to May 2, which showcases the region’s growing technology sector. This event highlights various tech-oriented activities and is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing tech education and professional networking in the area.
Recognized for its efforts in supporting women in the tech industry, Charleston Women in Tech Day is celebrated annually on October 10. This special day acknowledges the organization’s influence over the past decade, during which it has significantly impacted the lives of many local women. The organization has over 4,000 members and has hosted more than 150 networking events since it began.
Among the success stories attributed to Charleston Women in Tech is the journey of Barbara Condron, who successfully transitioned from her previous role as a single mother and bartender to becoming a recognized UX designer. This narrative serves as an inspiration for many women and children engaged in the organization’s programs.
Furthermore, Charleston Women in Tech conducts the Women in Industry Conference, where it provides scholarships to promising high school students from underserved communities, emphasizing the importance of educational opportunities for young individuals. The ongoing CodeON initiative also features volunteers from local tech companies who mentor children in essential coding skills.
To mark its upcoming ten-year anniversary, Charleston Women in Tech will host a public event at Red Palm Tavern in downtown Charleston on October 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This occasion will celebrate the organization’s significant contributions and continued commitment to supporting women and underrepresented groups in the tech industry.
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- ABC News 4: After School Program Teaches Charleston Students Coding
- Charleston City Paper: Charleston Tech Week Event
- CHS Today: Charleston Tech Week Announcement
- ABC News 4: Charleston Women in Tech Day
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Women’s Basketball vs. Tennessee Tech
- Wikipedia: Coding
- Google Search: Charleston Women in Tech
- Google Scholar: Charleston Tech Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coding Education
- Google News: Charleston Women in Tech
