Petaluma tech workshops teach kids to code and more
Scott Gilbert works on a project at Petaluma CoderDojo
A Petaluma tech club for kids is teaching them the programming skills that are so critical today. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a town with this much tech talent is sharing it with the next generation.
Called CoderDojo, these workshops teach kids ages 7 to 17 to code and develop websites, apps and programs. The focus is on creativity, self-led learning and mentoring. The adult mentors are Petaluma residents and software engineers Candace and Barry Stump and John Crowley.
CoderDojo is a global movement that started in Ireland in 2011. The local classes take place at the Petaluma Library, which offers free access to public computers and spring break “maker” classes.