SOAR Charter Academy Takes Flight with Kids That Code

SOAR Charter Academy of San Bernardino recently hosted a computer programming workshop for select students, grades 4-7, taught by education start-up company Kids That Code. The exciting workshop consisted of both hands-on physical exercises and computer-focused activities, fostered by specially trained instructors, to teach the students the logic behind computer programming. The students were extremely engaged and inspired to create their own animation, interactive stories, and video games. A few hours into the workshop, 5th grader Jaydon Stanislowski conceptualized and created his very first game with multiple levels and layers. Jaydon said, “I learned a lot and it was really cool because I can make the games do what I want.” His mother Debbie further mentioned, “Usually he's excited to come home from school and play video games; now he can't wait to get home to work on his own game. It makes me happy to see how into this he is.” Renee Nunez, the co-director at SOAR Charter Academy was impressed with Kids That Code and the level of engagement and excitement the students had for the workshop. “The kids and parents were thankful for this great opportunity. They were excited from start to finish,” Nunez stated. She further commented, “Our students were able to extend their knowledge of technology with this awesome team and it was an amazing experience. We want more!” The young students were made aware of the amazing field of computer science and engineering. They learned that coding skills can increase opportunities for college admission, scholarships, and employment. “We believe that Kids That Code can help transform San Bernardino into a technological hub and it starts with the kids,” said Director Pat Person. Kids That Code is a program developed by MBA students from California State University, San Bernardino. The company champions STEM education and diversity in technology. Kids That Code is preparing an upcoming Kickstarter campaign in 2015 to help the company expand their program into schools nationwide.