The first programming languages designed to communicate instructions to a computer were written in the 1950s.  Back then programming, or as we popularly refer to it today “coding”, was a highly technical language reserved for “Geeks.” Much has changed since then. Coding, the new literacy of the 21st Century, is available to the masses.

We at Newark Kids Code believe children should learn how to code for the following reasons:

1. Programming is a basic literacy in the digital age
2. Programming can change the world
3. If you have an idea for the next big innovation you can bring it to life with code
4. Programming doesn’t have to be hard to learn
5. Programming is way cool!!!!

With your help and support, Newark Kids Code seeks to get every child from 8 to 17 years of age in Newark engaged in our summer of coding with Scratch initiative.

Scratch is an object or block-based programming language created in 2007 by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at MIT’s Media Lab. Children create exciting stories, animations, and games by connecting bright-colored blocks.

The Newark Kids Code outreach team will be spread across the five wards of our great city, in search of youth ready, willing, and able to code with Scratch. And to make sure their experience is as fun as educational, several easy to follow tutorials will be hosted on the Newark Kids Code website – www.NewarkKidsCode.org.

Throughout the summer Newark Kids Code will sponsor we will sponsor several meetups where youth can come together to display and work on their Scratch projects.

We look forward to meeting you and having you join our growing community of coders. If you are a parent or interested adult and want to join our Newark Kids Code community outreach team, visit the Newark Kids Code website, click on the “Get Involved” link on the navigation bar, and enter your contact information.

We will see you in the community!

Darrin S. Sharif

Director

Newark Kids Code