Coding in Color Selected as Part of Microsoft’s National TechSpark Program to Grow Economic Opportunity in Central Arizona
Coding in Color and Microsoft are collaborating to ensure regional support for underrepresented communities in technology.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Coding in Color announced today that it will be working with Microsoft TechSpark to foster inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation in Phoenix, Arizona. Coding in Color has been providing students in marginalized communities the opportunity to learn about computer science, and advocating for computer science courses in high schools. Working with Microsoft’s TechSpark program will give Coding in Color the necessary tools to continue teaching students about technology while more schools work to get computer science classes offered in their schools.
We’re thrilled to put this grant to work in Arizona and expand access to Computer Science education, mentorship and career opportunities for students throughout the Valley. We’re looking forward to collaborating with TechSpark Leaders and Fellows to continue magnifying our impact.
Diana Lee Guzman, Founder of Coding in Color
Coding in Color hosts multiple hackathons, workshops, and other tech related events throughout the year to expose students to the versatility of STEM related jobs. This effort will be supported by a Microsoft grant to fund a TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow, who will spearhead local efforts, working with local partners to foster digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation. This Fellowship represents the first time TechSpark has worked with Coding in Color in Arizona.
Since we launched TechSpark in 2017, we’ve helped communities secure more than $125 million in funding and helped create thousands of jobs. By expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity.
Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the expansion of its TechSpark program to tackle digital inclusion in four focus areas: digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation with local based organizations. Since its inception in 2017, TechSpark has helped its eight communities secure more than $125 million inn community funding, skill 55,000 people, and create 3,300 jobs. Read more about TechSpark here.
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For more questions contact: Karen Nevarez at karennevarez@codingincolor.net