Boys & Girls Clubs of America with Google and AmeriCorps Teaches 10,000 Kids to Code

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since first launching their partnership in 2014, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Google and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps, have supported more than 10,000 youth to complete over 80,000 hours of coding at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. As the 'Code Corps' program celebrates its second anniversary, Congressman Ro Khanna made a special visit to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley.

"Experience with computer coding programs are important skills for students to possess, and a child's ability to learn these skills should not be limited by her ethnicity or income level," said Rep. Ro Khanna (California District 17). "As our country increasingly moves towards a digital and technology-centric economy, we need to ensure that every child has equal opportunities. The Google Code Corps program will inspire a new class of digital leaders and entrepreneurs with the help and support of AmeriCorps members, who will instill the core knowledge, skills, and inspiration today's young people need to be successful. It was a joy to see this unique partnership between Google, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and AmeriCorps provide an opportunity – through national service – for America's young people to usher in the next generation of creative, innovative young leaders."

The organizations came together to develop the Code Corps program using computer science expertise and curriculum from Google, AmeriCorps VISTA members from CNCS and a positive after-school learning environment through local Boys & Girls Clubs. The resulting Code Corps program is designed to inspire and train the next generation of computer scientists and to increase access to computer science education across the United States.

Congressman Ro Khanna visited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley to experience the Code Corps Classroom firsthand and participate in a roundtable discussion about the importance of computer science education and national service. CNCS, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps VISTA and other national service programs, provides Americans opportunities to serve their country through innovative, locally-led solutions that tackle tough challenges, such as expanding access to high-quality STEM education in a time of tight budget constraints.  

Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley is situated in the heart of computer science innovation, and it is also alma mater to the 2017 National Youth of the Year, Jocelyn Woods. Jocelyn learned computer coding skills at the Club, which helped her secure internships and even led her to code a photo-sharing app.

"As the leading youth advocacy organization, we know that private and public partnerships help to advance our goal to help today's youth achieve great futures," said Jim Clark, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Our relationship with Google and CNCS is a wonderful example of the possibilities that come to life when likeminded organizations share their complementary skillsets and offerings. After two very successful years of Code Corps, we are looking forward to empowering even more kids and teens with computer science education, an important competency for 21^st century jobs."

The AmeriCorps VISTA Code Corps program recruits and trains a group of AmeriCorps VISTA members to facilitate Google's CS First curriculum and other technology experiences for Boys & Girls Club members. The CS First curriculum from Google aims to make computer science accessible and inspiring. The lessons draw upon relatable topics from music to politics, demonstrating that computer science can tap into students' interests.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at Facebook and Twitter.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps and leads volunteer initiatives for the nation. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Related Links

http://www.bgca.org