By: Tracy Dishman—

Muncie, IN—The Innovation Connector has a unique opportunity for young people to learn “the language of the future” — computer coding.

Techwise Academy and the Innovation Connector, along with a handful of other community resources, have partnered to create the Coding Connector. This hands-on program offers camp and workshop-style opportunities, as well as weekly computer coding classes for ages 5 years old through high school age young adults.

Located in a newly remodeled computer lab in the Innovation Connector, the Coding Connector lab holds 15-20 computers, tablets and students comfortably.

“About a year and a half ago, Techwise Academy, run by Ryan Hunter and Brandon Coppernoll, were holding coding classes at the Innovation Connector,” described Ted Baker, Executive Director of the Innovation Connector. “As I watched them and got a good feel for what they were doing, I knew that a “joined forces” connection would be a great fit for our community.”

With the assistance from the Innovation Connector, the newly formed Coding Connector received a $10,000 grant from AT&T to purchase computers and tablets. “The students would bring in their own computers when the coding classes were first offered. I noticed that it took the first part of each coding class for Ryan and Brandon to set up each of the computers and prepare for the lesson, cutting into the time of actual learning’” stated Mr. Baker. “Through the AT&T grant, Ryan and Brandon have the tools they need to spend more time with the students doing what they love to do the most: teaching code.”

The students learn not only how to code, but also learn how to problem solve. That’s probably the most important thing we teach. Whether or not they are going to be computer programmers, they’re going to need to know how to problem solve and learn to work in groups. The Coding Connector experience teaches our kids not to be afraid to make mistakes—and to learn how to take a complex problem and break it down into simpler parts. —Brandon Coppernoll

A $30,000 grant from the George and Frances Ball Foundation has also assisted in moving the program forward. The grant money supported the upgrade of a dedicated computer lab within the Innovation Connector facility, along with, the front and back end work of the Innovation Connector team members. Creating flyers, connecting with area schools, social media and other marketing initiatives are just a few of the responsibilities of Alexis Dishman, Administrative Assistant at the IC, that the Foundation grant supports. “The full list of classes is available by clicking on the Coding Connector link at the top of the www.InnovationConnector.com website. “An interested student, parent or teacher can sign up online or simply call the IC to get registered,” said Ms. Dishman.

“Coding Connector classes charge a minimal fee and scholarships are available. It takes time and resources to manage the money- in and money-out of the program,” said Baker of Lori Albert’s responsibilities, Financial Director for the IC. “This program is designed to be sustainable.”

When asked about what he wanted the community to know about the Coding Connector, Ted Baker said, “The classes are designed to be fun.” And feedback from students and parents reflect this program goal.

“The overall idea for this partnership is we want to be on the cutting edge of technology and the development of that type of work in our community,’ continued Baker. “We believe that since this is the language of the next generation, [these coding classes] are imperative for the future of communication. We believe entrepreneurial ecosystems include more than just current businesses, but also future business. The Innovation Connector and Techwise Academy, together with other non-profit agencies and support organizations in our community, are empowering and nurturing the future of this new language.”

For more information, please visit:
www.InnovationConnector.com/coding-connector

www.TechWiseAcademy.com

Tracy McCormick-Dishman is a local Marketing & Communications Consultant, who writes about her visits to area businesses and agencies. Follow her travels on Facebook,  Twitter (#HeyDish) and MuncieJournal.com