At CODE313, in partnership with The Freedom School of Washtenaw County and Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper, we're thrilled to offer an enriching coding program this summer in Ypsilanti, MI.

From July 8 to August 8, Monday through Thursday, we gather at South Pointe Scholars Academy on Geddes Rd., Ypsilanti, MI. Our coding program runs from 2:30 to 5:00 pm, welcoming students eager to explore the world of technology through hands-on coding projects.

What We're Teaching: Coding Fundamentals and Life Skills

Under the guidance of Juan Linares and Cheree' Stevenson, students delve into block coding using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. We start with coding fundamentals such as sequencing, loops, and conditional statements. These concepts not only form the foundation of game development but also cultivate essential life skills.

Sequencing teaches students the importance of planning and organization in both coding and everyday tasks. Loops help automate repetitive tasks efficiently, fostering efficiency and time management skills. Conditional statements encourage students to make decisions based on different conditions, enhancing critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

Week 1 Project - Whack the Mole!

In our first week project, Whack-a-Mole becomes an ideal introduction to game development using MakeCode Arcade. Students start by learning to program the appearance and disappearance of moles using block coding. They'll develop the mechanics for the player's mallet or cursor movement to whack the moles and implement a scoring system to track their performance. As they progress, they can adjust timers and difficulty levels through coding, gradually increasing the game's speed and challenge. This project not only teaches foundational coding skills but also introduces students to game design principles in a fun and interactive way.

Week 2 Project - Save the Dinos Game!

Moving into our second week project, Save the Dinos in MakeCode Arcade offers students a deeper dive into game development. They'll build upon their skills from the Whack-a-Mole project to program a character that navigates platforms to rescue dinosaurs. Using block coding, students will create algorithms for platform generation, design mechanics for character movement including jumping and avoiding obstacles, and construct multiple levels with escalating complexity. Through this project, students further enhance their programming abilities while exploring creative game design elements that culminate in a polished and engaging gameplay experience. These projects collectively equip students with essential skills in coding and game development, preparing them to create marketable games that showcase their creativity and technical proficiency.

Empowering Through Technology

Our partnership with The Freedom School and Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper aims to empower students beyond technical skills. Through technology, we foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Each session encourages participants to explore their potential in a supportive and innovative environment.

Meet Jamall Bufford: Director of Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper

Jamall Bufford, a renowned Hip-Hop artist and educator, brings his passion for music and youth empowerment to our program. As Director of Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper, Jamall's leadership inspires us to bridge educational gaps and cultivate talent within the community.

Join Us!

It's never too late to join our coding adventure! Sessions are free and open to all young learners interested in exploring technology and creativity.

This partnership enables us to expand our reach to new students, offering them opportunities to engage with technology education in meaningful ways. By joining forces with The Freedom School and Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper, we can collectively impact more young individuals, equipping them with valuable skills that will benefit their futures. Together, we are able to broaden our reach and make a positive difference in the lives of even more students, empowering them through education and enriching their learning experiences.

Join us in celebrating education, empowerment, and community building through coding. Together, we're paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.