Hour of Code

Today’s world is undoubtedly a digital world.

Since its inception, computers and computer programming have been at the forefront of the world’s leading industries and the focus of a continually evolving job market. Most of the startup world today revolves around technology, computers, and the foundation they are built upon – digital code. Statistics show that over the next 10 years, computer and technology careers will grow at two times the national average – with over one-million jobs available and less than half-a-million students studying in that field.

If the idea of learning how to write computer code seems impossible, it’s not. Experts say in as little as 60 minutes, coding can go from a foreign language to a newly acquired skill.

I hope you will join me to learn more and take your shot at learning how to code at the nationwide Hour of Code Event. The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Hour of Code is an hour-long introduction to computer science, specially designed to demystify code and show anybody can learn the basics and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts.

This grassroots campaign is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide. This year there are over 51,000 Hour of Code events taking place around the world. The Hour of Code is driven by the Hour of Code and Computer Science Education Week Advisory and Review Committees as well as an unprecedented coalition of partners that have come together to support the Hour of Code – including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the College Board. Future coders can choose from a variety of self-guided tutorials from kindergarten-level classes and up. The tutorials work on any modern browser, tablet or smartphone.

The event takes place during Computer Science Education Week. Lincoln’s Hour of Code will be held on December 9 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Please visit www.codelnk.org to register.

There will also be an interactive Tech Fair happening at the same time at Innovation Campus. Visit over 20 interactive booths and connect with mentors from local technology companies to help you get started in programming. Hopefully, you can stop by and see for yourself what the future of America’s workforce looks like.

I have no doubt that as we continue to push forward and educate more people on the importance of technology and education that Lincoln can be home to some of the 21st Century’s best jobs.

The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information on the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, (www.lcoc.com) please contact Jaime Henning at jaimehenning@lcoc.com.