Computers don’t care who is in control
of the keyboard. Rather, coding is for
anyone who enjoys problem solving and
experimenting. These coders also have active
imaginations and love creating with comput-
ers and simple codes.

PROGRAMMING IS COLLABORATIVE
Coding isn’t always a solitary experience—
many of today’s coolest apps, videogames,
and online networks are the result of team
efforts. Forget the image of the lone program-
mer working late into the night and replace it
with teamwork, community and friends. A visit
to Facebook Headquarters reveals the largest
open-offi ce workspace
in the world. This is be-
cause the best projects
are the result of collab-
oration. No one can be
an expert at every part
of coding, so partner-
ing with others enables
bigger and better out-
comes. Plus, having an-
other set of eyes to look
at a problem with a fresh perspective opens
minds to new solutions and bug fi xes.

PROGRAMMING IS FUN
Don’t be fooled; just because coding puts
brains to work doesn’t mean that it’s all se-
rious business. The world’s favorite video-
games, software and social-networking sites
were made possible by the awesome and cre-
ative minds of the coders who dreamed them
up. Computer science opens the door to mov-
ing from consumer to creator. Whether your
kid wants to make an animated cat dance the
Nae Nae, create a website to share favorite
16 April 2017
washingtonFAMILY.com jokes, or program a robot to do their chores,
they get to bring their personality and inter-
ests to what they create…and there’s nothing
nerdy about that!
THE FUTURE OF CODING
IS IN YOUR HANDS
The only way to break stereotypes is to con-
sciously change them.

There is a world of endless possibilities open
to students interested in computer science.

Kids need to know that they are capable, and
be empowered by the adults and peers in their
lives to fully give CS a try. When enrolled in a
coding-focused afterschool program, club or
summer camp, kids have the power to use CS
to shape the future.

Generation Code is an in-school, after-school,
and camp based kids coding initiative that seeks
to empower students to become creative prob-
lem-solvers and digital leaders through pro-
ject-and design-based learning. Currently oper-
ating in NYC, Generation Code will launch this
spring in Washington, D.C. and Vienna, Virginia.

Learn about the Generation Code approach to
CS education at generationcode.com