About US
Who we are
We are the Young Coders Initiative, a student-led non-profit dedicated to promoting computational literacy and career opportunities in tech-related fields. We support underprivileged youth by visiting schools with limited exposure to STEM where we introduce possible career paths in computer science; teach foundational coding skills; connect students with educational resources; and support students with internships, jobs, and college admissions. Our seminars serve as a gateway for students to explore the rapidly evolving world of technology independently, empowering them to leverage these innovations to become changemakers within their own community. We also host monthly events where students can meet like-minded peers and have fun exploring their passions.
Our mission
Computer science graduates have some of the highest starting salaries in the U.S., and major sectors in which they are employed, such as IT, are projected to see the most growth when compared to other industries over the next 10 years. Despite this, careers in tech-intensive fields remain out of reach for a significant proportion of the population:
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Only 51% of U.S. high schools offer ANY computer science classes, with lower rates in disadvantaged areas.
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Women comprise just 20% of CS graduates (2021).
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African and Hispanic Americans represent only 4.2% and 6.9% of the CS workforce, respectively.
Our mission is to foster an appreciation for computer science in students who otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to it as a possible career path. By increasing access to the field, we hope to serve as a catalyst for change, uplifting communities through the power of education and technology.