Code.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to computer science education in schools, particularly for students from underrepresented groups. Here are key details about Code.org:
History and Founding
- Founded in 2013 by Hadar Shemtov, Ali Partovi, and Hadi Partovi, with the initial aim to promote computer science education.
- The organization was spurred into action following a video released in 2012 titled "What Most Schools Don't Teach," which highlighted the lack of computer science education in schools.
Mission
- The mission of Code.org is to make computer science education accessible to every student, regardless of socio-economic status, race, gender, or geographic location.
- It seeks to achieve this by providing free online learning activities, tutorials, and resources for K-12 education.
Programs and Initiatives
- Hour of Code: An annual event launched in 2013, encouraging students around the world to spend one hour learning to code during Computer Science Education Week. It has become a global movement to introduce coding to millions of students.
- Professional Learning: Code.org offers professional development courses for teachers to help them integrate computer science into their curriculum.
- Curriculum Development: They provide free, high-quality CS curriculum for K-12 schools, which includes courses like CS Fundamentals, CS Discoveries, and CS Principles.
- Campaigns and Advocacy: Code.org advocates for policy changes to support computer science education, including initiatives to make CS count towards graduation requirements.
Impact
- Over 1 billion students worldwide have tried an Hour of Code activity.
- Millions of teachers have signed up for Code.org’s professional learning programs.
- There has been significant growth in the number of students taking CS courses in schools where Code.org has influenced policy or provided resources.
Funding
- Code.org is supported by a combination of donations, grants, and sponsorships from various organizations and individuals interested in promoting STEM education.
- Notable supporters include corporations like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and philanthropists like Bill Gates.
Criticisms and Challenges
- Some critics argue that while Code.org has made significant strides, the focus on coding might sideline other important areas of computer science like algorithms, data structures, or systems programming.
- There are concerns about the sustainability of teacher training programs and the long-term commitment of schools to computer science education.
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