Project-based learning with meaningful themes
Technology is constantly evolving. Today, a lot of things people do or use are based on code, whether it’s replying to an Instastory or ordering food from the app. Almost every job these days require some sort of computer literacy, and most of these jobs will require even more than that in the future. Already today, thousands of industries depend on computer programs to run their operations. To fill the coding generational gap children, as well as adults, need to learn how to code.
Contributing to the cause, Inclusive Coding Academy (ICA) has launched a proprietary strength-based certificate and transcript offering. In partnership with the Autism Community Ventures and private donor networks, ICA has formalized its previous bootcamps as part of a unique evaluation and certificate offering.
The uniqueness
The Academy not only offers an inclusive space to learn from renowned instructors and faculty, but offerings tailored to closing the historically wide gap between 21st-century skills demanded by employers and the skills prospective job seekers are bringing to the table. In addition, each project team in the program embraces the power of neurodiversity and includes at least one neurodivergent individual.
ICA’s programs embrace project-based learning with themes meaningful to the students, for example, online “Introduction to Web Design Course” with its launch, the students brainstormed several ideas for their final group project together. Later they built a website for a nonprofit initiative called “The Spectrum PPE Project”. The Spectrum PPE Project designs and distributes sensory-friendly Personal Protection Equipment for neurodivergent children and adults.
The benefits
Enrolled students in addition to a certificate of completion will receive a strength-based transcript that they can show employers to demonstrate both their strengths and the skills they have mastered. No grades are provided. Instead, students are introduced to “soft skills” including collaboration, problem-solving, team building, and communication skills that are increasingly important in the 21st-century economy.
ICA’s upcoming workshops include Introduction to Rapid Prototyping, Introduction to 3D Printing, Intro to Python, Machine Learning and Society, and additional sections for the Intro to Web Design Course.
A story
A young adult with autism who had been unemployed for years after graduating high school is now a talented coder. He never went to college after so many rejections from employers. After participating in an inclusive “Introduction to Coding Games” grant-funded workshop, he excelled, quickly mastering Unity, a popular platform for coding 3D games. Additionally, he completed his independent game project an entire hour ahead of any other student at the event and won the workshop’s Grand Prize for Best Student Game at the associated Hackathon. This coding journey opened wider opportunity pathways, including higher education.
“Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer… because it teaches you how to think.” – Steve Jobs
