DesignYOU! CODE CAMP
Engaging Middle School Students in Coding and STEM
Our Mission
The DesignYOU! Code Camp aims to ignite a passion for coding and programming among middle school students. Through hands-on experiences and creative activities, we strive to enhance problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills while fostering an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers.
Camp Goals
- Goal 1: Increase the interest and skills of middle school students in coding and programming.
- Goal 2: Provide immersive, hands-on experiences with coding, problem-solving, and analytical skills in a summer camp setting. We also aim to inspire future STEM professionals by introducing innovative concepts and career pathways.
Camp Features
Participants will experience a unique blend of activities designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, including:
- Hands-on coding and programming with engaging platforms such as Scratch and Python.
- Creativity and critical thinking challenges that relate coding to real-world applications.
- Group engagement activities such as team-based games and interactive content presentations.
- Field trips and STEM career exploration, where students see the relevance of coding in industries like fashion, retail, and beyond.
Who We Serve
DesignYOU! Code Camp is dedicated to serving underserved middle school students, including but not limited to:
- Low-income families
- Minorities
- Youth with disabilities
- Students in foster care and vocational rehabilitation programs
Our Collaboration and Support
This initiative is made possible through a collaboration between government, university, school, community, and business organizations, with generous funding from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). TWC has previously supported DesignHer! Code Camp (2019) and DesignYOU! Code Camps (2022, 2023, and 2024).
Unique Approach
Unlike many other STEM camps, DesignYOU! Code Camp taps into participants' pre-existing interests to make learning fun and relevant. By integrating fashion and retail technology into the curriculum, students can explore how coding is shaping industries they are already passionate about.
For more information about the curriculum and participant registration, visit our dedicated DesignYOU Code Camp page, tailored for prospective campers and their families.
Photos from 2024 Code Camp
