#codedotorg

CODE "DO"

“For most people on Earth, the digital revolution hasn't even started yet. Within the next 10 years, all that will change." -- Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman, Google

We could have just posted the above graphic, and it alone would catch attention. But there's others. Like the one that illustrated the percentage drop in graduates with a computer science degree as compared to 10 years ago. Or, the one that said nine out of 10 schools don't even offer courses in computer programming. In a world where fervor over budget-cut casualties like art and music has turned heads; soft-drink and snack vending to youth in schools stoked PTA panic; and the fight to keep physical education both in and mandatory has gone its share of rounds in the ring, it is appalling that this stat about coding classes has gone virtually unaddressed.

Today's society is so computer-dependent, it's almost embarassing (no "Rise of the Machines" references, please). Just think: you can't start a car, make a phone call, or borrow a book from the library nowadays without the aide of a digital system of some sort.  It only makes sense that our next generations be proficient in the repair and renewal of the technologies that support our digital existence. And it's not just technical careers that await those that learn: computer science provides the foundational learning for a variety of jobs.  Read: it is OUR responsibility to pass on this knowledge and foster interest in the growing field.

Enter a new crop of non-profits, dedicated to providing opportunities for kids to learn coding, to become thinkers, innovators, leaders, inventors. Organizations like BlackGirlsCode, Social Coding for Good, and Code.org are busily identifying both students in need of exposure and instruction, as well as volunteers and donors to give time and resources.  In a country that already lags behind in math and science proficiency, this is no small feat. Some of these same groups are also lobbying for change in school systems to require certain computer programming skills prior to graduation. And while there's a financial component to everything, this is more about an old-fashioned sense of sharing knowledge than anything. (What's that? You can't code, either? Even us of the older ilk can check out Codeacademy, a free online portal staffed by global tech volunteers, and run on donations.) It's "giving back" at a previously unheard of level. And it's serious.

Off the soapbox now. And on to discover how to help more.