#libraries ready to code

The Libraries Ready to Code (RtC) cohort announced in October 2017 is going strong. The 27 participating school and public libraries are in the midst of implementing their projects. In part, these projects were developed to test a RtC library program framework that fosters computational thinking (CT) literacies among youth. The framework grew from ALA’s ongoing RtC initiative and is the basis for a collection of tools and resources that fully support any library that wants to offer these types of youth programs.

ALA and Google announced an expansion of their Libraries Ready to Code collaboration, while the Library of Congress plans to launch a legislative data “app challenge” later this summer with the themes “innovate, integrate, and legislate.”

Here’s a quick update on the Libraries Ready to Code initiative!

Playbots Coding Club tries to get more girls interested in developing technology skills

Thanks to more than $500,000 in grants for 28 libraries in 21 states, this program got a major boost to do just that. While the program was established this past summer, ALA reported in late October that this is the first time Libraries Ready to Code has received any sort of dedicated funding.

The wait is over! The Libraries Ready to Code grant program is now accepting proposals (through August 31, 2017). The program seeks to facilitate the development of  youth programming in libraries that will teach computer science and computational thinking skills. An informational webinar will be held on August 1, 2017 at 2:30 eastern. Visit http://www.ala.org/tools/readytocode to sign up for the webinar and find out how your library can apply for the grant.

This summer, the House of Representatives will launch the third Congressional App Challenge. From July 26 to November 1, 2017, eligible students will be invited to code and submit their own original apps, either on their own or as part of a team. (Students may compete in teams of up to four, provided at least 2 of the teammates live or attend school within the district they’re competing in).