MEET THESE LOCALS: The team behind Code/Art has been working to increase coding education and opportunities for young girls by using art, and showing students the cool, creative things they can create through computer science.
Last year, they were the recipients of a $25,000 Grand Innovator Award from Inspire305, an initiative from United Way of Miami-Dade. That grant, along with additional funds from Microsoft and The Knight Foundation, has helped the non-profit ramp up their outreach.
WHAT THEY’RE DOING: Code/Art works with students from grades 4-12 and hosts coding clubs, workshops, and partners with other organizations to bring these opportunities to young girls from Pinecrest to Miami. Nationally, the percentage of women in computer science has been dropping drastically since the early 1980s. Then, it was 37%, today it is at 18%.
Hear from the students about what makes Code/Art special to them:
The organization hosts Code Art/Miami, an all-girl coding competition and showcase of the art they’ve created through coding. The event also brings in guest speakers and other industry leaders to offer mentorship, judge the competitions, and help students explore tech careers. Proceeds from the inspiring event provide scholarships for young women studying computer science.
FUN FACT: This year alone, the non-profit will train 60 Miami-Dade middle school art teachers on how to deliver coding lessons to an estimated 27,000 kids in local schools.
QUOTABLE: “Women make up half of the population and need to drive half of the technology created in the future. This is our simple, yet powerful way to get there.” – The Code/Art team in a Q&A with Inspire305.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED: If you’re interested in helping at Code/Art, they are looking for volunteers.
Inspire305 and United Way of Miami-Dade are currently reviewing applications for 2019 grants. After the finalists are announced, the public will be asked to vote on who should receive the $10,000 and $25,000 awards. Online voting will open on or about May 1, so get ready to support Miami’s most inspiring non-profits.