We’re only a few days away from the 4th Annual Tech Gives Back, and it’s time to turn the spotlight to the amazing showcasing nonprofits. This seven article series brings to life the mission, heart, and voice of these featured startup organizations who are all working hard to keep improving the lives of young people in our community.
Drumroll please,
What they do: Resilient Coders is a free program that makes web technology education available to kids who might not otherwise be exposed to it.
How they do it: Teaching code behind bars in the correctional system, at public schools, and in summer programs, Resilient Coders’ classes are adaptive to the needs of students and partners. Each student learns how to code and builds his or her own website, coached along the way by a volunteer web professional.
Why we love them: While 7% of Americans can't find work, the tech industry still struggles to find talent. It only makes sense that the local tech community should invest in programs that expand the talent pool, and Resilient Coders opens the doors to educate young people from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in technology. Resilient Coders awakens student curiosity, provides valuable role models, and works to bridge the opportunity gap.
David Delmar, Founder
“For certain personalities, the line between success and incarceration is often a thin one, demarcated by circumstance. Resilient Coders takes a non-academic approach to coding. We aim to help underserved and incarcerated youth teach themselves how to code. A hustler will always hustle; let's give him smarter inventory.”
Resilient Coders in 3 Words: Educate, Empower, Employ
If Resilient Coders had a theme song: “It’d be John Legend’s ‘Wake Up Everybody’ because it's about renewal and reinvention. I think this song works on a personal level as well as on a broader, societal level. Let's try a new way of teaching.”
Visit ResilientCoders.org to learn more, and be sure to connect with them on Twitter. Cast your vote at the Tech Gives Back block party on September 10th to support the inspiring work of your favorite startup nonprofit!
Snag tickets here to volunteer and attend the awesome after-party at the Lawn on D on Wednesday.
