***This episode was recorded a month ago. This episode focuses on the field of robotics and the great work my guest is doing in the field to expose our youth to technology and coding. My guest and brother-in-law, Jean Mahoro, software engineer/instructional manager for the non-profit organization, code crew, out of Memphis, TN, came to speak with me about how kids getting involved and intrigued about coding, building robotics that respond on command through computer programming languages like Python, what has been the community's response and support to getting their kids signed up, and even how kids are enjoy participating in the gaming and robotics competitions.
Jean spoke about how important it is for kids today to be exposed to the idea of not just being consumers of the technology, but become influencers and impactful coders and designers of it in their own right. Kids today are born into a world where technology is the focal point of their education, entertainment and somewhat upbringing. It is imperative that they learn how not only use it but obtain the knowledge on how to members of the technological society that has become the highest demanding industry in the world. There's so many areas of technology to go into and be successful in, it's all about exposure.
Jean also spoke about representation; the fact that more of our young black children are getting exposed to technology gives them the opportunity to go into the field and being the representation that they want to see and Code Crew has provided that opportunity. Since May 2015, Code crew has taught more than 1,000 students to code through our summer camps, after school programs, in-school electives, and special events. Of the 250 kids they serve weekly, 91% are black and latinx youth, 41% are girls who code, and overall, 89% of their students are more likely to study computer science.
Speaking of representation, a special congratulations are in order for my guest. This past weekend, Jean was recognized as one of the 40 most influential urban elite professionals under the age of 40 in the city of Memphis for his work in robotics with Code Crew. I'm extremely proud of him and happy for him for this accomplishment and look forward to talking with him again on what latest technological phenomena he's teaching the kids in Memphis.
If you would like to sign your kids up for virtual sessions and workshops and you are in the Memphis, TN area, you can visit their website @https://www.justmymemphis.com/CodeCrew and follow them on Instagram @_codecrew for more information on events, workshops and robotics competition that your kids can sign up for.