Innovation Ed: Big Changes, Local Action is May 14th. Join CoderDojo SV for a one-day gathering highlighting the innovative schools and programs across the Bay Area that are transforming the future of learning. For more information visit the Innovation Ed 2016 website and register using discount codes microsoft10 or ms10off
CoderDojo Silicon Valley is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that provides free coding workshops where young people, ages 7-17, learn how to code, develop websites, apps, games, and more! CoderDojo Silicon Valley (CDSV) emerged from the global CoderDojo movement, which began in Ireland in 2011. The local Silicon Valley instance was founded in August 2012, and the very first workshop was held at Microsoft’s Mountain View campus for 25 eager young coders.
Over the last fours years, with the continuing support from Microsoft, CDSV has grown significantly. Just this year, from August 2015 to March 2016, our workshops welcomed almost 1,200 participants, provided more than 4,000 hours of coding instruction, and maintained a 60:40 ratio of boys to girls attending our sessions. The month of May will bring even more young coders an opportunity to learn!
Besides the robust amount of workshops and youth served by the program, CoderDojo Silicon Valley is most proud of it’s amazing volunteers who step up to lead, mentor, and assist with registration and other operational tasks at each session. This year alone, CDSV has logged about 2,500 volunteers hours to support our program.
One of our newest super volunteers, Ben Schleimer, is an example of a software professional who got interested in software mentoring after attending an Hour of Code event in 2015. He thought it was “thrilling to help students work through some of the annoying, sticky problems encountered when trying to program as a beginner”, and wanted to find more opportunities to volunteer. He joined our mailing list, mentored a few workshops and then led an advanced workshop. Another example of an uber contributor is Joe Dean. Instead of coming to Mountain View, he set up a dojo at his company, On-site, and leads workshops whenever inspiration strikes. But not everyone needs to be this committed, our monthly workshops are made possible with the continuous flow of temporary volunteers, who help with technical mentoring and non-technical tasks as their schedules permit.
The most empowering part of CDSV is the opportunity for young coders, once they have enough confidence in their skills, to become mentors for their peers.
Three years ago, a 5th grader named Erik Zhang wrote an article for his local paper, and stated “Since I started going to CoderDojo.. I have met many bright instructors and mentors and have made many new friends. I have also learned and honed my skills in a variety of coding languages, such as Python, Unity and HTML. Thank you, CoderDojo Silicon Valley. I don’t know how I could have done it without the help and support of this wonderful community of volunteers. I hope to continue to grow and contribute back to the community”
Well, Erik has done just that. Since penning his first article, Erik has definitely honed his skills and given back to the community by stepping up as a peer mentor his during many workshops. Just last month, marked a milestone for Erik, he conducted his first workshop as a lead instructor!
Erik wrote a follow up article for the same local paper and concluded “I never thought I would teach coding as a middle schooler, just like I never thought I would learn advanced coding while I was in elementary school…Needless to say, it was nerve-racking whenever I thought about teaching a class myself…However, another youth instructor, high school student Carter Sande, mentored me through the entire preparation process…Many students and their parents complimented my teaching afterward. It truly made my day.”
The organizers of CDSV are pleased when our program has such a positive influence on a young person’s life. Not only has Erik become an amazing youth mentor and instructor, he is now planning to help organize a smaller community dojo at his local library. Way to go Erik!”
As with any volunteer-run organization, the biggest challenge to CoderDojo Silicon Valley’s continued growth is the need for people to lead workshops and help in other ways. We are currently looking for available space to host weekend workshops for advanced coders. If your company has a free venue that can hold about 50 or more people, please contact [email protected]. If you would like to become a technical or non-technical volunteer, please go to our website, and join the mailing list. Workshop announcements, along with mentoring and other volunteer needs are posted each month. If you can help just once, or want to become a regular part of the program, CoderDojo Silicon Valley would love to have you on board.
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Marcy Delgado is the Co-founder of CoderDojo Silicon Valley. She has worked in the Silicon Valley tech industry for 20 years and is now an avid volunteer dedicated to supporting causes that are forging new paths in technology and education.
