Coding Bootcamp teaches programming to Seven Corners teens

Twenty-six middle and high school students from the Willston area of Seven Corners completed a free one-week Coding Bootcamp on July 10 hosted by Communidad.

The program, held at the Willston Multicultural Center, introduces students to programming fundamentals, machine learning concepts, and real-world problem-solving through project-based activities.  

Most of the students are Latinos, although there were a couple from Nepal and Afghanistan.

“The bootcamp is an opportunity to expose this group of students to coding at an early age and motivate them to continue with STEM studies,” said Tess Spesia, volunteer coordinator at Communidad.

Students created projects using micro-bits and blockchain coding. On the last day of the camp, they presented their projects to their peers and a panel of judges.

All 26 students’ projects were deemed in the top tier, earning each student $150, said Maralee Gutierrez, Communidad’s founder and executive director. And because they all completed the work, they earned a trip to Kings Dominion, which happened on July 11.

“Our goal is to empower students to become confident leaders who recognize their potential as future innovators,” Gutierrez said. “By providing access to technology and hands-on learning, we’re opening doors to opportunities many of our students may not otherwise experience.”

The bootcamp is funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia.

Communidad is hosting another Coding Bootcamp for teens starting July 13 at a new location, Knox Presbyterian Church on Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church, for students in the Kingsley Commons community.

The bootcamps are part of the nonprofit’s year-round youth development efforts, which include mentoring and Rising Leaders, a program aimed at building leadership skills. Communidad also offers academic support and art therapy for elementary school students and English and commuter literacy classes for adults.