Code Rising

Our Story

ode Rising students learn about careers at Amazon Web Services (AWS) at Amazon HQ2.C

de Rising is a STEM-intensive workforce preparation program. Our program takes a long-term, research-based approach to STEM education by weaving hallmarks of a holistic, whole-person approach into our project-based, career-oriented STEM exploration program for students. We are building an approach to produce measurable improvements in our student's social and emotional health, and to increase the likelihood of students pursuing STEM-related professional pathways.By

intertwining education and exposure, skill building and training, mentorship, professional development, wrap-around supports, and personal identity and social development work, we encourage the skills, confidence, and competency every student will need to succeed in a career in technology. We are committed to supporting students and families who come from adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and are economically disadvantaged.Cod

Rising students learn about Earth’s systems and climate change from astronauts at NASA's Headquarters. Duri

g the summer of 2024, Code Rising kicked off our Alexandria programming by bringing our STEM Space Summer Camp program to Casa Chirilagua students in K-12, providing a bilingual and culturally responsive hands-on learning, and sparking interest in fields like robotics, AI, and cybersecurity. 41 students participated in our summer camp, with all students showing enthusiasm and interest in STEM.  Code

ising students enjoy an exciting day at Amazon HQ2 engaging in bilingual STEM discovery. Our Im

act We were

thrilled to be supported in this work by partners like Amazon, Dominion Energy, Computer Core, and Cyber.org, and to partner with NASA, Vice President Kamala Harris's Space4All Initiative, and outstanding student instructors from Virginia Tech to enhance the learning experience. Through our programming, students traveled to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, NASA’s Headquarters, and Amazon HQ2 to engage in project-based learning experiences and engagement with bilingual career professional technologists and astronauts. Our space summer camp provided an exciting opportunity for students to learn, grow, and discover their potential in STEM.Here is

snapshot of some of our key results: 41 studen

• s successfully completed and showcased four major hands-on STEM projects, including robotics, AI applications, and coding exercises, highlighting their creativity and problem-solving skills.91% of par

• icipants demonstrated proficiency in basic coding concepts by completing a coding challenge or project, reflecting the effectiveness of our bilingual programming and technology kits.Proficiency

• assessments indicated that 83% of participants showed improvement in their technical skills from pre-camp to post-camp evaluations, ensuring measurable skill development.The Problem

e Are SolvingCode Rising w

rks to eliminate the hurdles that underserved communities face when it comes to accessing STEM education opportunities. The years in early childhood and primary education are important for students to gain exposure to STEM. Most importantly, introducing STEM in K-12 alongside their primary education can spark an interest in computer STEM careers among underserved students so that they build confidence, have fun, and learn the introductory skills in technology they will need to access rewarding careers in STEM fields. At Amazon HQ2,

Code Rising students learn about the skills needed for careers at AWS.According to th

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations are in high demand and continue to be among the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs in the US economy. Over 1.1 million new STEM job openings are projected to be created from 2023-2033 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Further, tech salaries on average pay more than double the median wages of all other occupations. Although STEM career opportunities are available, vulnerable communities and professionals from diverse backgrounds continue to be underrepresented in the field. (National Science Foundation).Code Rising stud

nts prepare for their first day of coding basics classes in Fowler, CA. As we have discov

red, students across the United States continue to strive to achieve their pre-pandemic rates of growth in math and science. The latest math and science scores at Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) showed a 4% increase for math and 3% increase for science. In addition, the ACPS math pass rate increased by two percent from 53% to 55%, and the science pass rate increased by one percent from 52% to 53%. However, ACPS students still perform well below the state average for science and math in 2023-2024 by over 10%. As a result, poorer and more underserved populations and students need more focused and culturally responsive classes, resources, and opportunities to think critically, analyze information, solve complex pro…