2017 CIIP Program Book 2017 CIIP Program Book | Page 18

Community Partner: Code in the Schools
Intern: So-Yun Kim
Site Supervisor: Charlotte James
What is Code in the Schools?
We are committed to expanding access to quality computer science education programs in Baltimore City to ensure that all Baltimore
residents are prepared to be active members of the 21 st century economy. We achieve this through fun and innovative in-school, after-
school, and summer programming for youth age 4-21, as well as professional development for educators throughout the region.
"I think it is reasonable to assume that I started Code in the Schools during one of the
busiest periods of the year. As a non-profit focused on bringing computer science
education to Baltimore City students, a significant portion of the organization’s
mission is accomplished through out-of-school and summer enrichment programs. As
an intern, this meant that I was given a significant amount of responsibility and trust
that I was not necessarily expecting during my first week at the office. Charlotte, my
supervisor, immediately entrusted me with organizing a significant portion of
CodeWorks, a 5-week coding camp that pays 65 Baltimore City youth to learn
computer science. I spent the majority of my time creating excel sheets, cross-
checking names, and creating rosters. Although this may not sound riveting, I
genuinely value the time and experience I had undertaking this work. This is not only
because I oddly enjoy using excel for some reason, but also because I had the
opportunity to see my work materialize when I met my students for the first time at
CodeWorks.
During my typical day at CodeWorks, I would assist a game design course in the
mornings and work on administrative tasks in the afternoon. Working with 65
students is not easy, even if they are the most well-behaved and polite group of
students (which they are). To be completely truthful, there were a few disappointing
moments. Like when I felt like I could not help a student through his circumstances,
or when a hard-working student had to constantly deal with setbacks due to
paperwork issues out of his control. But I am genuinely so grateful for the experience
I had at CodeWorks. I want to thank Charlotte, Gretchen, and Diane for making this
program even possible and the support that you offered me this summer. I also want
to thank Dale and Eleanor for giving me insight on being a teacher in Baltimore city
and spending so many afternoons with me. And lastly I want express how grateful I
am to my students. Thank you so much for being so kind, for making me laugh, and
giving me the opportunity to teach you and watch your curiosity grow." -So-Yun
• Programming and supervising CodeWorks, a 5-
week intensive coding program and YouthWorks
site
• Data collection and analysis on the progress,
demographics, and interests of CodeWorks’
students
• Teaching assistant for a game design course
utilizing Unity and C#
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