CodePals

What is Code Pals?

Code Pals is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching STEM, specifically coding and programming, to younger students. The organization aims to empower students with essential tech skills and problem-solving abilities, fostering a deep understanding of technology from an early age. By providing engaging and accessible programs, Code Pals focuses on teaching Python and Java fundamentals, with the ultimate goal of creating future innovators and sparking a passion for computer science in young minds.

What Does Code Pals Do?

At Code Pals, the focus is on making coding both educational and engaging. The organization offers class sessions during the summertime, typically holding 1-2 classes per week. In these sessions, students learn the fundamentals of programming in Python and Java. Each class is carefully designed to not only teach coding but also to develop critical problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to be curious, ask questions, and engage deeply with the material. Homework is assigned to keep students engaged even after class, fostering a practice-oriented approach that reinforces learning.

A unique aspect of Code Pals is its small class sizes, typically consisting of 5-10 students. This allows for a more personalized learning experience, where students feel comfortable asking questions and receive in-depth attention. The content and difficulty of the classes are customized to meet the needs of each group, ensuring that every student, regardless of their level, can learn and grow at their own pace. Mentorship plays a key role in the program, with instructors providing guidance and encouraging students to explore beyond the class content. Unlike larger group sessions, where students might feel lost or hesitant to ask questions, Code Pals ensures that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

The Message and Purpose

Code Pals aims to ensure that every student deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed in the world of technology. The organization’s purpose is to equip young students with the tools and support they need to develop a strong foundation in computer science. By teaching coding in an accessible and engaging way, Code Pals aims to inspire the next generation of tech innovators and problem solvers. The organization operates on the belief that guided learning and mentorship can significantly impact a student’s educational journey, helping them overcome challenges and continue exploring the world of technology with confidence.

Meet the Founders: Sahas and Sanskaar

Code Pals was founded by Sahas Maduri, who developed a deep passion for computer science despite lacking mentorship or guidance during his own learning journey. This experience motivated him to create Code Pals, a place where students can have a more supported learning experience. Growing up in a family involved in the IT field also played a significant role in his passion for computer science. Witnessing the impact of technology on everyday life, from AI to advanced computing, further inspired his desire to expose young students to these important concepts early on. Through Code Pals, the founder hopes to provide students with the encouragement and resources he wished he had, helping them to learn more easily, feel more confident in their abilities, and be more curious about the world of technology.

Code Pals’ other co-founder, Sanskaar Srivastava found his love for computer science through his daily observations of the world around him: through news, word of mouth, and through his own exploration into the media covering modern day progressions in the field. Sanskaar realized that and began to believe in the future that progressed and improved the livelihoods of people across the world and especially in third-world countries; a future powered by computer science technology ranging from both software and hardware devices and technology. Sanskaar emphasizes his value on a strong and updated background in computer science for anyone going into any field, including those outside of computer science. Code Pals emulates his goals and aspirations as he works to inspire his younger peers’ interest for tech and future innovations. 

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Code Pals aims to expand its reach by teaching more students and covering a broader range of computer science topics. The organization plans to introduce additional programming languages and delve into advanced areas such as data structures, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The vision is to create a cycle of learning where students who have benefited from the program return to teach the next generation, sharing their experiences and knowledge.

Code Pals also hopes to offer more niche topics based on the interests of its students, allowing them to explore specific areas of technology that excite them. The ultimate goal is to create a community of young coders who are not only skilled in programming but also inspired to continue learning and contributing to the field of technology.

Student Involvement

Students involved with Code Pals have the opportunity to not only learn but also eventually give back by becoming mentors themselves. As the organization grows, there will be more opportunities for students to take on leadership roles, help teach classes, and contribute to the development of new programs. Code Pals envisions a future where students are not just participants but active contributors, using their experiences to teach others. This reinforcing cycle of student-teachers will help shape the direction of the organization and inspire the next generation of coders.