Volunteer with We All Code!!!

My previous blog was about how to put yourself out there by volunteering. This time I want to talk about an organization called We All Code that you can volunteer with, especially if you’re interested in code.

We All Code in a non-profit organization in Chicago open to all kids ages 7 to 17 with a focus toward kids from underserved areas and girls. The classes are 100% FREE to kids across Chicago. Students learn from highly-trained instructors and there is a 2 students to 1 mentor ratio to help the students get the attention they need to learn.

There are several classes We All Code offers that a kid can participate in without ever coding before. The classes are HTML 101, CSS 101, JS 101, and PY 101. The full descriptions and details of the classes can be found here. The classes are offered on Saturdays or Sundays. There is also a week-long camp for students. This isn’t free, but the cost is considerably cheaper than other code camps for kids.

The classes are held at various locations throughout the city, so We All Code has their own laptops with appropriate software to set up at any space willing to host.

Do I need to know how to code to volunteer?

Not. At. All.
Can you Google search?
Can you be one step ahead of a kid?
Are you comfortable with asking for help if needed?
If you answered yes to the questions, then you are ready to volunteer.

What does it look like to volunteer at We All Code?

Volunteering with We All Code is usually a Saturday or a Sunday, typically from 9am-2pm. The volunteers rearrange the space(if needed) to view a projector screen for the lesson. Next, is setting up the laptops. Volunteers run updates(if needed), tape down wires and cords (for safety), and welcome students as they arrive starting at 10am. Volunteers DO NOT lead the class. I know some people have feared this. Volunteers usually have two students to help guide throughout the class. There is lunch at noon provided to students and volunteers, then another hour left of coding.

How long do I have to commit for?

There is no long term commitment. You sign up one class at a time to volunteer as you can. When there are classes, an e-mail is sent out asking if you can volunteer. If you can, great! If not, no big deal!

What is the benefit of volunteering?

Volunteering at We All Code can bring so many things. Easiest thing? Looks great on your resume!

Besides that, you can help make an impact in a community. It’s an impact you can actually see. Helping youth of Chicago become aware that they can also code is such an amazing feeling. Sometimes you get to see how much influence you have from returning students. Some come back with projects they do on their own and you can see the growth you’ve helped foster.

Working with youth is amazing. The students of We All Code are curious and you can see them bloom as they learn. They help you realize that kids aren’t just kids, but wholesome curious beings.

Volunteering is a networking opportunity that feels a little more natural. We All Code has people who come from all professions and you never know where those connections can take you.

How do I sign up?

Here is this convenient link to sign up! After making a profile, there is background check test that costs about $15. At this point, you could search for a class that fits your schedule so you can start changing lives.

Here’s my experience.

We All Code kept coming across my life. I finally decided to volunteer when I read the words “No coding experience needed.” The first time I volunteered, there were only two kids and three mentors. I was with a six year old girl for the HTML class. She made a link to her “Unicorn World”. When she realized what she did, her face lit up! I was instantly hooked myself. That’s when I caught the coding bug.

I’ve been volunteering with We All Code for three years now. I’ve met so many Chicago youth, been to different neighborhoods, met so many mentors, made networking opportunities, gained a mentor, and now I’m on We All Code’s Associate Board as Secretary. Most importantly, We All Code gave me the confidence to join a coding bootcamp and I’m currently on my way to become a software engineer.

Not interested?

That’s fine. Whatever. I’m not hurt. But here’s a link to a volunteer expo coming up so soon because I believe volunteering can only bring good. Find something for you, put yourself out there.