The future workforce requires opportunities for students to build their computer science skills. Extracurricular coding clubs are now all the rage for learning to code and collaborating with like-minded individuals on various projects, games and activities.
Often presented in in-person or online learning environments, students can gain the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in technology careers. Let’s explore the advantages of enrolling students in coding clubs and which programs most positively impact their educational and professional lives.
Benefits of Coding for Students
The computer science industry is reshaping the economy, growing exponentially at 23% by 2032. As openings in technology and AI progress rapidly, the demand to fill these roles with tomorrow’s coders is higher than ever.
Prospective and experienced technologists must be able to keep up with the trends — meaning they are perpetual, open-minded learners, ready to shift gears with the latest digital advancements.
For example, businesses increasingly need to synthesize vast amounts of data, requiring coders to write systematic algorithms. Cybersecurity is another crucial sector of the technology industry, necessitating programming experts to develop superior preventative software against cyberattacks.
Garnering these skills takes time. Fortunately, with widespread reliance on and use of digital devices, learning coding can occur early. There are several advantages to having students learn coding skills:
- Fosters creativity in programming websites, applications, games and simulations
- Promotes digital literacy for a competitive edge in today’s job market
- Develops logical and critical thinking skills, problem-solving, communication and computational skills
- Teaches students to think outside the box
- Allows students to cooperate with others and learn self-discipline
The future is uncertain, but coding skills will always be in demand. Coding clubs, in particular, are excellent places for children, teens and young adults to garner these aptitudes, collaborate and become experienced digital wizards in the professional world.
6 Collaborative Coding Clubs for Students
Experts say 85% of the decade’s careers have yet to be invented. Allowing coding opportunities for students interested in computer science and technology is the best way to ensure progress continues and the world meets the digitally-focused economy. Here are six coding clubs for active learners and collaborators.
- Code.org
According to Code.org, every student and organization should be able to learn computer science, regardless of their background and skill level. As the digital world rapidly moves toward AI, Code.org is moving to build faster, better coders.
Code.org is a nonprofit platform for K-12 students, ensuring accessibility to an in-school technology curriculum. Its focus has primarily been providing resources and learning to underrepresented schools and young women.
Students can participate in Code.org’s vast library of free interactive games, activities and tutorials. They can also opt for one-hour coding classes over full-length ones if crunched for time.
- Code Club
Code Club is a global nonprofit organization run by the U.K. charity Raspberry Pi Foundation. It is an extracurricular coding club operated by a team of volunteers, teachers and partnerships and is available to students aged nine and up.
Some of the digital-making projects include Scratch, HTML, CSS and Python. In Blender, students learn the basics of creating and animating 3D objects and backgrounds. They can even learn to simulate tree growth and deforestation using Scratch.
Collaboration is a crucial component of Code Club as it brings together students and volunteers from all walks of life. Coders will only benefit from collaborating with peers as they learn essential brainstorming and problem-solving skills for workplace success.
- CoderDojo
CoderDojo is another popular nonprofit organization with coding clubs in over 100 countries worldwide. Students can search for “Dojos” near them and sign up to join for free. Each Dojo has different coding projects students can work on to become expert coders, whether they are beginners or have prior experience.
In-person CoderDojo sessions are available to students ages seven to 17, allowing students to collaborate with peers, foster relationships and learn from one another in a safe, inclusive environment.
Trained volunteers run Dojos, having undergone a mandatory training module before establishing a local club. They must also go through background checks based on the laws in their area.
- Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code (GWC) is on a mission: To create more space for women in computer science. Young women participating in GWC’s programs — coding clubs, summer immersion camp and college prep classes — can prepare themselves for various technology careers in a male-dominated field.
GWC’s coding clubs are free for female students in 3rd to 5th grade and 6th to 12th grade. Students can learn online or in person after school, on weekends or in the summer.
Bridging the gender gap in technology is crucial. According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, women and minorities accounted for only 35% of the STEM workforce in 2021.
- The Code Zone
The Code Zone is all about bringing fun to computer science education. Students can sign up for virtual or in-person coding programs led by highly-trained mentors. Parents and students can rest assured of a safe online learning environment where they can hone their technology skills for the future.
Students can sign up for a free coding club course to ensure they like it. Afterward, three monthly membership levels are available — Hacker, Modder and Architect. Sessions are self-directed, with a weekly live meeting with a mentor.
Mentors will always consult parents first to ensure students get placed in the most suitable coding session. Meetings between mentors and students are invaluable for future coders to receive one-on-one attention, ask questions and build their skills and confidence.
- Black Girls Code
Like GWC, Black Girls Code fosters computer science skill-building for African-American girls and young women to thrive in tech. The organization works with schools, local nonprofits and volunteers to develop and advocate for cutting-edge technology curricula and workplace development.
Black Girls Code’s mission is to position one million girls of color in technology careers by 2040. As such, its new CEO, Cristina Jones, has expressed interest in expanding partnerships for greater access to tech careers. Currently, the organization focuses on girls and women between the ages of 7 and 25.
Some upcoming programs include Learn to Code Art in Detroit, Michigan, and the virtual See Yourself in CS series — Fashionista, Gaming and Blogging. Coding students can save their spots for each free event by registering online.
Other Learning Platforms for Coding
Coding isn’t just for kids. Numerous online learning platforms are available for college and university students to hone their coding skills. For instance, Coursera compiles coding courses from the best universities and corporations nationwide. Examples of course topics include fundamentals of Python, programming with Java and learning about Meta’s front-end developer role.
edX is a similar platform to those in higher education or pursuing ongoing learning. Enroll in a coding boot camp or dive deeper into machine learning applications. Other courses introduce students to Java programming, full-stack application development and artificial intelligence.
Finally, Udacity is a tech-specific platform offering nano degrees to help students enter the technology sector. Swift for Beginners, Machine Learning DevOps Career and Introduction to Python for AI Programmers are three of several coding courses offered.
Coding Clubs Nurture Experienced Technology Professionals
All coding clubs share one ideology: Coding is for everybody. Regardless of the coding club students join, they will learn the most essential skills from the ground up, paving the way for them to succeed in technology careers.
Eleanor Hecks is editor-in-chief at Designerly Magazine. Eleanor was the creative director and occasional blog writer at a prominent digital marketing agency before becoming her own boss in 2018. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and dog, Bear.
