Empowering Philly's Youth Through the Ctrl+Shift Coding Competition
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Chapter 1: Ctrl+Shift 2023 Overview
The Ctrl+Shift coding competition has become a cherished annual event in Philadelphia, allowing local teens to exhibit their talents and highlight what the future holds for the next wave of innovators. Now in its sixth iteration, Ctrl+Shift equips high school students with comprehensive knowledge of website development, guided by professionals in the tech industry. This engaging competition enables students to practically apply their skills after weeks of mentoring and workshops, culminating in the presentation of their projects for a chance to win the grand prize.
The first video showcases the excitement and creativity displayed by the participants in the Ctrl+Shift 2023 competition. From innovative ideas to practical implementations, this montage captures the essence of the event, celebrating the hard work of the students.
Section 1.1: Mentoring Sessions
Throughout the program, students participated in weekly in-person mentoring sessions with instructors from Coded by Kids and local tech volunteers. These gatherings fostered teamwork, skill enhancement, peer connections, and valuable feedback from experienced mentors.
> "My journey with Coded by Kids has been incredible. I’ve made so many friends and connected with peers who share my tech interests!" — Ayan A.
Coded by Kids instructor Jesse Onyango-Opiyo expressed his excitement about mentoring the students. "The Ctrl+Shift experience was fantastic; I was able to teach while also learning from the students. Encouraging them to approach problems creatively was a highlight for me," he noted. "The competitive format inspires innovation in their design and coding."
Subsection 1.1.1: Virtual Workshops
Students engaged in a series of virtual workshops featuring industry professionals who imparted skills not commonly taught in traditional settings. These sessions provided insights into real-world project management, presentation techniques, and effective time management.
Section 1.2: Key Learning Topics
- Intro to Design Thinking
The opening workshop focused on the fundamentals of design thinking and user experience. These principles proved essential for the students as they crafted their Ctrl+Shift projects, laying the groundwork for their future tech endeavors.
- Wireframing
Building upon the skills from the initial workshop, students learned the significance of wireframing. They participated in activities that emphasized the wireframing process, from outlining website structures to using industry-standard tools.
- Project Management
The third workshop highlighted the complexities of managing a website project. Students engaged in exercises that prepared them to efficiently coordinate various aspects of their projects, thanks to the guidance of volunteers from SEI Investments.
- Iterate, Test, Repeat
In the final workshop, students were introduced to the iterative process of testing and refining their projects. They learned best practices for assessing their website's performance in diverse environments, with continued support from SEI volunteers.
Chapter 2: Competition Finals
After weeks of dedication and hard work, students showcased their projects during the 6th Annual Ctrl+Shift Coding Competition Finals. They were evaluated based on code structure, design, and website complexity, impressing both judges and peers alike.
The second video offers tips for effective coding, including the useful shortcut Ctrl+Shift+V for pasting without formatting. This practical advice highlights some of the skills students learned throughout the competition.
First Place: Sign-ify
1st Place Winner, Jack Z., alongside judges Christina Blake (Seer Interactive) and Tod von Mechow (SEI Investments).
Jack Z. created Sign-ify, a website aimed at educating the public about deafness and hearing impairment. Using machine learning, he designed an interactive platform that allows users to practice fingerspelling ASL letters, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
> "Winning Ctrl+Shift has inspired me to pursue technology and create impactful projects for my community." — Jack Z.
Jack emphasized that his experience transcended mere programming skills. He learned the significance of understanding the audience and the value of feedback, which reshaped his approach to project development.
Second Place: Javatastic
Daniel T. developed Javatastic, a website designed to engage children in programming through an interactive Java curriculum. The site features a dynamic homepage, lessons, and quizzes tailored to prepare students for the AP Computer Science A Exam.
> "Participating in Coded by Kids has been transformative for my confidence and productivity," Daniel shared.
Third Place: Philly Transit
Jason L. and Spencer L. collaborated on Philly Transit, an interactive site that educates users about the history of public transportation in Philadelphia. Through maps and timelines, they sought to share their passion with fellow residents and transit enthusiasts.
> "Building the website was a personal journey since we rely on public transport daily," said Jason.
Honorable Mention: Eureka
Matthew P. introduced Eureka, a site celebrating historical figures who have impacted the world. The platform features a timeline, a virtual gallery, and a library of biographies, showcasing the diversity of human achievement.
> "The structured competition provided a glimpse into real project management, something I hadn't experienced before," Matthew reflected.
Mentors, Judges, and Volunteers
Throughout the Ctrl+Shift competition, over 15 volunteers contributed their time to mentor students, provide feedback, and judge the final presentations. Their expertise and encouragement played a crucial role in the participants’ growth.
> "It's wonderful to see volunteers from various tech backgrounds share their experiences with students. It opens their eyes to the many career options available," said Christina Blake from Seer Interactive.
What's Next for Ctrl+Shift Students?
The impact of the Ctrl+Shift program is evident, with a significant increase in students feeling comfortable with coding and expressing interest in tech careers. As they embark on their next steps, the emphasis on continuous learning remains a key takeaway.
> "The experience has ignited my entrepreneurial spirit," said Jack Z., highlighting the transformative effect of the program.
Special Guest: Jason Kelce
A heartfelt thank you to Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce for attending the Ctrl+Shift finals, inspiring students and supporting tech education through the (Be)Philly Foundation.
Support Philly's Future Tech Leaders
If you missed the competition finals and wish to support emerging coders, consider donating to help fund future initiatives. This year's Ctrl+Shift competition was made possible by sponsors such as Comcast and SEI Investments.
About Coded by Kids
Coded by Kids is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth by preparing them for careers in tech through hands-on learning and mentorship. To learn more, visit codedbykids.com or follow us on social media.