Hour of Code is Here

Did you know Computer Science Education Week begins today? Considering how rapidly technology is changing our world, you’d think most kids would be learning how computers actually work.

In truth, fewer students are studying computer science today than a decade ago -- including just 4 percent of female students and only 3 percent of African-American and Latino students.

With that in mind, BGCA is excited to support partner Code.org with this week’s launch of its new computer science education initiative, Hour of Code. This 60-minute intro to computer science is designed to show kids that the “code” used to build websites and software isn’t as hard to pick up as they might think.

By partnering with technology leaders like Code.org, BGCA is providing Club youth with hands-on STEM learning experiences. Hour of Code aligns with BGCA’s STEM strategy to teach kids how to make technology – rather than just consume it – and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.To learn more about STEM education and Hour of Code, please read the statement below from James Gwertzman, Chief Evangelist of Code.org.

Why Every Child Should Learn Computer Science

James Gwertzman
Code.org Chief Evangelist

This week, more than 5 million students across more than 165 countries are doing one Hour of Code, trying computer science for the first time during Computer Science Education Week. And we're thrilled to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to make history.

Computer science provides a foundation for every career today –- including business, health care, media and entertainment. With technology only becoming more critical to our daily lives, every student should understand at least the basics of how computers work. They should have the chance to take part in creating the technologies that will shape our future, not just consume them.

Plus, studies show that learning computer science helps elementary-age kids score higher in math, be more creative, and better apply problem-solving skills – all assets for academic success.

Too many students today are intimidated by computer science, or think it's just for nerds. With Hour of Code, we have the opportunity to demystify code for all kids. It includes video lectures from Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Chris Bosh, as well as games that artwork from Angry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies.

One hour is just the beginning. After, kids can continue to build their skills with more than 20 hours of free online tutorials at Code.org. To learn more about this great opportunity, please visit HourofCode.com.