This week is Computer Science Education Week (CSE Week), which is an annual program dedicated to inspiring students to take an interest in computer science. Computer science and coding are vital in the digital age. Everyday items we use such as computers, phones, calculators and microwaves rely on code to function. This makes coding a necessary skill to know.
There are programs and initiatives that promote learning coding such as the CSE Week Advisory and Review Committee as well as partners including Microsoft, Apple and more. During CSE Week, these companies and individuals host an hour of coding education. It allows people of all ages to take a free 1 hour coding tutorial online or in person with a professional. Tens of millions of people participate and more than 180 countries get involved. There’s no experience needed because the goal is to demystify coding and ensure that coding isn’t viewed as scary.
The campaign has enlisted the help of some of the nation’s top influencers to promote the movement.
“In fifteen years, we’ll be teaching programming just like reading and writing..and wondering why we didn’t do it sooner.” -Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO
“Don’t just play on your phone, program it.” -President Obama
Coding has become an in-demand skill in recent years. According to a study by Burning Glass, 7 million job openings in 2015 required coding skills. Coding skills are transferrable to industries outside of technology as well. Scientists, designers, engineers, health professionals and more can use these skills. These skills provide an avenue to higher paying roles and the study also states that jobs requiring coding skills pay $22,000 more per year than other jobs. Students or professionals looking to take the next step in their career would be wise to learn coding.
Therefore, campaigns such as Hour of Code are amazing to bring attention to this prevalent skill. At EcoTech Visions, we love and support this movement. Our company provides training programs to prepare adults for these in-demand technology jobs. If someone gets a taste of coding through the free tutorial, they can receive a more in-depth education through our Digital Citizens Bootcamp. We provide an 8 week course for adults 18 and older to learn technology skills in order to close the digital divide. We seek to make tech jobs more attainable for underserved communities in Miami.
For more information on our bootcamp, you can contact Carlos Vazquez at Carlos@etvfoundation.org.
