Geeking Out Kids of Color - GOKiC

We are building a community around values that center the lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color as we teach computer programming in culturally relevant and exciting ways. “GOKiC is a safe place for anyone because it doesn’t matter who you are or what skin color you have. It’s for people who like science and more. And this is a place that you can make more friends and meet more people and explore your ideas.” - Fatoumata (Critical Robotics, Grade 7) GOKiC is changing the future of what technology looks like, and we put this power into the hands and hearts of our children. We not only teach them about programming, robotics and computer science, but we also help them unlock their creative potential and critical thinking skills. This past year challenged us in ways we could never have imagined. But we stepped up, and with our community of dedicated staff, volunteers, families, and funders, we... ‣ Launched Collective Youth, a program to empower BIPOC youth to collectively pursue internships and careers in tech through a social justice lens. ‣ Built virtual learning environments to teach computer programming while centering the social-emotional needs of youth, creating a space for healing and connection. ‣ Expanded our reach to students in Seattle and South King County, through partnerships with schools and other nonprofit organizations to offer our technology education programming ‣ Strengthened relationships with families to ensure technology access and support for their children to engage in learning and connect to resources. ‣ Designed curricula that elevate what is happening in the world around us, such as a civic engagement curriculum where students learn HTML + CSS + Javascript and apply these skills to create a call-to-action digital art piece centering on their community and a movement they are passionate about. Learn how to get involved at www.gokic.org