Monroe College’s Free Code Academy Helps Local Bronx Students Learn about Coding & Programming

School may be almost over for most city kids, but for a select group of Bronx students, there’s still plenty of work to do — and they couldn’t be happier.

Monroe College, a Bronx institution for more than 80 years, recently launched a free summer Code Academy to give interested area high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to learn about computer coding and programming.

For some, the Code Academy will provide their first real exposure to formal computer science instruction.

Currently, less than 10 percent of New York’s public schools offer computer science instruction. The city is working hard through its Computer Science for All initiative to provide an IT curriculum in all schools by 2025, but today, many Bronx students lack consistent access to such learning opportunities and resources.

“Through our new Code Academy, we offer students who want to learn or work on their coding and programming skills a terrific opportunity to do so, and the only thing it costs them is a few hours on a Saturday morning,” said Dr. Nilesh Shah, Dean of Monroe College’s School of Information Technology.

Monroe’s Code Academy held its first session on May 14th, welcoming students with all levels of knowledge and experience.

“Some of the students arrived that morning completely new to coding and programming, while others were more advanced and looking for additional learning to take their skills to the next level,” said Dr. Shah. “We structured the Code Academy to allow us to accommodate all skill and experience levels, and it’s working out very well.”

Students enrolled in the Code Academy are assigned, by choice, to either the web development or app development track. Students signed up to learn about web development will plan and build a completely functional website, while those learning how to build apps in the other track will create a real game that they will ultimately submit to the Apple and Google App Stores.

Dr. Shah noted: “With the launch of the Code Academy, we have a wonderful opportunity to fill a real need in the community by sharing the expertise and resources of the School of Information Technology. It’s a great way to give back to our valued Bronx neighbors who’ve been so supportive of Monroe College these many, many years.”

Monroe College’s Code Academy will run Saturday mornings through July 30th at King Hall (2501 Jerome Avenue).

“The inaugural classes just began a few weeks ago, and it’s clear we’re off to a great start. We’ve had a very strong and encouraging response from students and educators alike,” Dr. Shah said.

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