The lack of a “blueprint for talent” was one of the reasons Amazon didn’t choose the St. Louis region for its new headquarters. The company provided feedback after the region fell out of the running, saying a lack of a ready workforce was one of the reasons it passed. If it wants to attract a major tech company in the future, the region will have to develop a stronger base of highly skilled workers.

Coding 101 is an eight-week course that meets once a week. The program launched in March 2017 at the Natural Bridge Branch, and three additional SLCL branches held the program throughout the year. Four Coding 101 sessions are scheduled for 2018 and six for 2019. Staff select the theme for each session, like Game Design or Animation. The program has generated intense interest, and since each session is limited to 12 students the spots fill up quickly.

Participants start the class with different levels of coding knowledge. Some children have prior experience with coding, while others have little to none. Week by week, children learn new coding skills and their self-confidence with coding increases. During the last class, the children proudly present their unique coding projects to their peers and family. Besides their enhanced knowledge of coding, children’s problem-solving skills, peer collaboration and creativity are also strengthened throughout the eight weeks.