We Code KC was founded in 2019 by Tammy Buckner and Dr. Philip Hickman to help ensure kids in the urban core have equal access to technology. Its free classes expose kids ages 7-17 to computer programming, technology and cyber security in hopes of igniting interest and expanding racial diversity in the field.
Community Builders of Kansas City donated office space in its 5008 Prospect building to the organization, which Buckner said was the perfect location.
“CBKC’s mission of serving the inner core aligns with ours and what better way to improve lives than to teach kids the technology skills that are increasingly in demand in today’s job market,” she said. Classes pivoted to an online learning platform with the onset of COVID-19.
The organization sometimes gets the opportunity to teach with real-world projects as it is doing with The Guy Experience. We Code KC announced in May that it had been hired to develop a mobile app and website for this start-up, an experience management company for the 21st century guy.
In the classroom, the number of participants can vary from 24 to 30 kids with curriculum determined by age. Younger kids learn Scratch, a programming language created specifically for children, while older teens learn Python, the software language used to code robots, or Internet programming languages like CSS, Java Script and HTML. Buckner said she is extremely grateful to the teachers and software engineers who volunteer their time, making the program robust and comprehensive.
“No matter what your zip code is, you should have the opportunity to learn about tech and how to code,” said Buckner. “Very few schools in the inner core have technology classes built into the curriculum and there aren’t many options in the community either. We see kids in our program develop creativity, problem solving skills and self-confidence.”
Buckner wants the community to know about and jump on this opportunity. “This is a way for your kids to learn skills free of charge that will enable them to work in an industry that is expanding,” she said. “We’re teaching kids skills for jobs that haven’t even been created yet.”
In addition to its current classes aimed at kids under 17, We Code KC is planning a future program for ages 18 and over that will create a pipeline of job-ready, tech-savvy employees for the community.
Programs have been extremely popular so the group is in need of mentors and volunteers, computer experience not required. If you are interested in learning more about We Code KC or volunteering, visit https://wecodekc.org/.