Code Akron Introduces African-American Youth To Computer Coding
Akron social media professional Kevin Lockett, launches June 27th coding workshop at the Akron Main Library to engage African-American with coding and technology.
- Akron, OH (1888PressRelease) June 06, 2015 - 2% that the reason why Kevin Lockett launched Code Akron.
"When Apple, Google, Twitter and Yahoo released their diversity numbers last year, 2% was the consistent number of African-Americans working at those tech companies that number was not only sad, but infuriating," says Lockett Media's Kevin Lockett, who worked on social media projects for Lock 3 Park, The City of Akron and currently hosts the "Digital Life with Kevin Lockett" podcast.
"I wanted to do something to help raise those numbers, but I'm a social media guy, not a developer, so I wasn't sure if I could pull it off," continues Lockett "However, I knew Van Jones started #YESWECODE nationally without being a coder or a tech entrepreneur, so I figured I can do a smaller version in Akron to introduce local African-American youth to coding."
After contacting Today Show's tech expert Mario Armstrong about his idea last Christmas, Armstrong advised Mr. Lockett to partner with a local tech organization, which led to him to connecting with Nick Petroski from Akron's OSC Tech Lab and the Launch League.
"I'm appreciate Nick for partnering with me," Lockett said. "From the very moment I tweeted him my idea, he was in. Connecting with Nick and the Launch League really helped speed up the process, which would have taken a lot longer if I was by myself."
During the Code Akron workshop, students will learn about the basics from seasoned tech volunteers from Akron/Cleveland.
"There are a lot components to coding, but the workshop is an introduction to code," Lockett continues. "The goal is open our student's eyes to possibilities of working in the tech industry or better yet, have them start envisioning launching their own start-ups and becoming entrepreneurs."
The Code Akron workshop is free and is geared toward Akron area African-American students ages 15-18. The workshop will take place on Saturday June 27th, at the downtown Akron Main Library computer lab from 10am-1:30 PM. Students can register at CodeAKron.com, but space is limited.
Anyone interested in sponsorships or become a mentor or presenter at the workshop can also apply at CodeAkron.com
Contact:
Kevin Lockett
CodeAkron.com
LockettMedia ( @ ) gmail dot com
CodeAkron ( @ ) gmail dot com
DigitalKev.com
meetup.com/LaunchLeague/
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