Code313, a Detroit-based nonprofit organization that teaches coding to students from ages 7-17, has announced the opening of its new STEM Academy headquarters in Detroit. The move is in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, which is providing space on the second floor of its building at 577 Larned St. in Detroit.
The renovated 2,500-square-foot space features STEM and computer stations, classroom and workshop space, and drone and flight simulators. It will host workshops on coding, web design, cybersecurity, robotics, and drones, as well as career readiness programs and other tech meetups and networking functions.
“Code313 offers young people the foundational skills needed to create using today’s technology. This new space is crucial for expanding our mission,” says Bartel Welch , founder and executive director of Code313. “Working with Junior Achievement is the perfect match.”
Code313’s STEM Academy aims to help bridge the digital divide in Detroit. According to local officials, 27 percent of residents do not have internet access, 42 percent of residents do not have high-speed internet access, and 19 percent of households rely solely on cell phones to get online.
“JA believes in the power of hands-on educational programs facilitated by caring adults committed to the success of the next generation,” says Jason D. Lee, president and CEO of Junior Achievement. “Code313 shares our vision and compliments our work regionally to inspire and prepare over 61,000 young people annually to succeed in the global economy.”
Code313 was founded in 2019, and the organization’s intent is to fill the void in computer science in primary schools. Code313 provides hands-on coding classes, enrichment camps, and workshops led by volunteers including engineers, web developers, licensed drone pilots, scientists, and others from the metro Detroit development community. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and problem solving, and workshops are free.
In its first year, Code313 served 3,200 students with support from partners including Microsoft, Verizon, the Detroit Pistons, Red Diamond Digital, and DC Elite along with additional partners, donors, and sponsors.
“Microsoft Detroit is proud to work with Code313 to help break down barriers between technology and young people in our region,” says Warren Flood, corporate affairs manager for Microsoft. “We have seen firsthand how students learn, thrive, grow, and create when exposed to technology instruction and resources. We know Code313’s new location will serve the community well and will enable us to make a greater collective impact.”
Junior Achievement will collaborate with Code313 on a two-week summer camp from June 22-July 2. The camp blends technology, entrepreneurship, and personal finance. The price is $600 per student, and those in grades 6-8 are invited.
Registration for Code313’s Summer STEM Academy is available for students. The technology camps take place from July 13-Aug. 14 for students in grades 4-9. The cost is $450. For more information, click here.
Code313 is a STEM.org nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching coding and providing the skills needed to pursue high-tech jobs of the future.
Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan serves more than 61,000 students annually and has been educating students in the region since 1949, and nationally for more than 100 years.
