60 Students Complete NJ Kids4 Coding Program in Camden by AACCNJ
Students participating in the NJ Kids4 Coding program stop for a picture. Photo courtesy of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
AC JosepH Media
CAMDEN — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey announced this week that 60 students from McGraw Elementary School and KIPP Lanning Square Middle School in Camden have successfully completed the NJ Kids4 Coding program.
NJ Kids4 Coding, offered by AACCNJ’s Mobile Academy, aims to address educational and technological disparities faced by underserved children by providing them with foundational skills in coding and game design, while also highlighting potential career opportunities in the technology sector.
Takeerah Jones, founder of Busy Bees Learning Center, served as the instructor.
The NJ Kids4 Coding program targets school-aged children from six to 13 years old. The program spans multiple sessions, incorporating project-based learning to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
Using Chromebooks and Lego Spike Essential kits, students engaged in hands-on learning to build and program projects that included a helicopter, river ferry, carousel, spinning wheel, perfect swing, a-maze, cable car, and mini-golf course to enhance their problem-solving skills.
On the final day, students celebrated their achievements and received certificates of recognition, boosting their confidence and sense of accomplishment.
“As the founder of Busy Bees Learning Center and a dedicated teacher, I am proud of our partnership with the AACCNJ,” Jones said. “In underserved communities, kids often miss out on quality STEM education due to limited resources and funding. Without access to essential STEM skills, they struggle to keep up in our tech-driven world.
“Making STEM accessible is key to bridging economic gaps and fostering future innovators. Students from Camden were introduced to interactive coding and engineering to prepare them for lucrative careers. It was a rewarding experience as students were eager to attend our classes after their day at school. I’m very proud of their efforts and accomplishments within the coding program.”
The NJ Kids4 Coding Program not only provided students with essential materials but also fostered curiosity, collaboration, and confidence.
By engaging with real-world applications and industry professionals, students gained valuable insights into high-paying careers, helping bridge the gap for minority students in STEM fields.
The students at KIPP Lanning School received a special visit from representatives of Turner Construction, who encouraged them to consider high-paying careers in STEM fields. Ashlee Sullivan, Turner Construction’s Community and Citizenship Program Specialist noted, the impact of this visit.
“As a community and citizenship program specialist with Turner Construction, no two days are ever the same,” Sullivan said. “One of my most memorable days was spent with the bright, enthusiastic, and energetic students of the Mobile Academy/Busy Bees Learning Center at KIPP Lanning Middle School in Camden.
“We engaged in interactive STEM projects, creative arts and crafts, and lively discussions about career pathways in construction. Their curiosity and engagement were truly inspiring, making the experience deeply meaningful. We enjoyed our time with them just as much as they enjoyed having us. I am confident in their potential for greatness and believe these experiences will positively shape their futures. We eagerly look forward to returning next school year!”
In addition to serving 60 students, the program facilitated the completion of nearly 20 projects, improved the social, emotional, and cognitive development of primary-aged students, and fostered a love of learning in Camden County students.
The AACCNJ is committed to continuing this vital work and expanding the reach of the NJ Kids4 Coding program to more schools and communities throughout New Jersey, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed in the digital age.
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