2023-August-03
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Cisco Kids Can Code Program Empowers Young Minds Worldwide
BY TES GAFFAR · VENDOR MANAGER · UNITED KINGDOM
WITH EMILY KIM
“When will the next session be?” Alayna asked eagerly as she left the parish council offices.
Alayna was one of the 10 students at Cisco Kids Can Code, a full-day event on May 30 held in Chigwell, England, designed to expose students to the captivating world of coding.
Alongside her fellow students, Alayna learned to code a website about her favorite book or movie character. Hers featured the eponymous Anne in Anne of Green Gables.
Like Anne, I wanted to uplift my community.
When I joined Cisco in July 2022 and discovered the company's profound commitment to giving back, I knew I had found the perfect platform to make a difference.
Fueled by this newfound purpose, I conceived an innovative initiative, Cisco Kids Can Code. This program aimed to empower students aged 13-16 with a rare chance to delve into the foundational aspects of coding.
VP of Marketing and Communications Kristie Ornelas connected me with two members of her team. They provided invaluable guidance to steer me in the right direction. Additionally, I reached out for volunteers who had experience teaching young minds.
I was amazed by the overwhelming response from hardworking, compassionate individuals. My manager, Michael Horan, played a pivotal role by providing advice, guidance, and funding while encouraging our entire team to get involved.
Our volunteer team dedicated nine months to developing the learning modules for this initiative. Their unwavering commitment, expertise, and creativity laid the groundwork for an exceptional learning experience that left a lasting impact on the lives of the students involved.
On the day of the event, we provided a balanced mix of hands-on coding and engaging quizzes. Through an interactive instructor-led session, our team of volunteers taught students HTML and CSS, enabling them to create their own websites from scratch. And for an extra touch of fun, Cisco generously sponsored a pizza lunch for all participants.
In addition to the in-person coding session, the Cisco Kids Can Code team created an instructional presentation complete with teacher notes and demonstration videos. This resource can be easily delivered anywhere, so schools with limited resources can introduce their students to the exciting world of coding. Even now, we have upcoming sessions planned in San Jose and RTP.
Now, I invite you to support Cisco Kids Can Code: Spread the word within your networks, reach out to local schools, and reach out to me for our presentation and teaching extension sheets.
Together, we can make an impact by empowering young minds and fostering a passion for coding and technology.
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