Dozens of West Michigan tech professionals are celebrating National Computer Science Education Week Dec. 8–17 by volunteering in third- through fifth-grade classrooms to teach the basics of coding and inspire students to explore careers in computer science. The sessions, known as {MI}Code, are hosted by West Michigan Tech Talent, an industry talent council of West Michigan Works!. Volunteer mentors will visit 52 classrooms across Barry, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties.
A recent study shows that 9 out of 10 of parents believe their children should learn more about computer science, yet only about half of U.S. public schools offer foundational computer science courses. {MI}Code Experience is working to bridge this gap by bringing technology education into classrooms with the support of tech mentors. By fostering coding skills, the program equips students to become the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, and innovators.
“This experience was incredibly valuable to our students. We cannot expect students to make huge life decisions in high school without having the foundational skills and knowledge to do so. If they can’t see it-they can’t be it,” said Michelle Kuck, Career Awareness Specialist, Muskegon Area ISD. “{Mi}Code Experience allowed students to see a career that they may not know a lot about, building the awareness for the future possibility. All the teachers that participated in Muskegon said that they would absolutely do it again.”
Mentors engage with students a fun, interactive Hour of Code™ activity and share their career journey in tech.
In addition to tech professionals, three of this year’s mentors are students themselves: a research assistant from Grand Valley State University and computer science majors from Michigan State University and Calvin University. Their participation demonstrates the enthusiasm of the next generation of tech talent to give back and help inspire future innovators.
“Every time I run through the kids’ coding exercises myself, I start off thinking, ‘This is going to be simple.’ Then a few questions in, I find myself pleasantly challenged with an ‘aha’ moment,” said Charlie White, Senior Developer, SPARK Business Works. “It’s a joy to share these moments with elementary-age students coming to the same insights.”
West Michigan Tech Talent is a collaborative of technology employers, educators, workforce development and economic development organizations working together to address talent shortages and create a robust pipeline of tech talent for the future.
West Michigan Tech Talent began in 2014 when a group of technology employers, training providers, and community partners came together to address the region’s emerging IT talent gap. As demand for tech talent continued to grow, it became clear that a more coordinated, long-term strategy was needed. In 2016, several founding members established a formal board of industry leaders to guide the council’s efforts to develop a sustainable pipeline of technology professionals in West Michigan.
