In an effort to combine Silicon Valley’s growing need for skilled tech workers and the unique ability for local libraries to provide classes in a safe learning environment, County Supervisor Mike Wasserman is spearheading the effort to offer free youth coding programs throughout the Santa Clara County Library District’s seven community libraries.
The new initiative, which Morgan Hill Library is a participating location, starts December 3.
“The earlier a girl or boy can learn to code, the more ingrained and helpful these skills will be,” said Wasserman, Chair of the Santa Clara County Library District Board. “We wouldn’t expect future doctors to take their first biology classes in college; why should future tech workers wait to learn these fundamental skills until much later in their studies? They shouldn’t!”
The SCCLD is partnering with “The Hour of Code,” which is online at code.org/learn, It’s a global movement that has introduced tens of millions of students in more than 180 countries to computer science and computer programming through a one-hour introduction course.
First introduced by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org (a nonprofit company dedicated to expanding access to computer science), the movement has gained momentum and is now in its third year.
“Although we live in the heart of Silicon Valley, with high tech companies in every city, not all students living here are exposed to computers and computer programming in their own homes,” said Gail Mason, SCCLD Library Services Manager, Adult and Teen Services. “Our goal is to help teach students from all backgrounds learn the fundamentals of computers and inspire them to acquire new skills in an exciting and fun environment, which will ultimately empower them to succeed in a world that is becoming increasingly digital.”
Mason highlighted the Library’s annual Teen Hack-a-thons and its ongoing “Girls Who Code” events among the most popular with the county’s teen audience.
During the week of Dec. 5-11, all SCCLD libraries will be hosting at least one Hour of Code event. At the Morgan Hill Library (located at 660 W. Main Ave.), the Hour of Code will take place at 4 p.m. Dec. 6.
