This week, WP Engine employees participated in an informative Lunch & Learn session focused on Code2College, an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit organization making significant strides in the STEM education landscape.
The session, led by Code2College CEO and Co-founder Matt Stephenson, included an overview of current volunteer opportunities available to employees (and anyone else who may be interested) and a call to action for those eager to contribute to the organization’s efforts.
Code2College: A Story of Impact and Growth
Since its inception in 2016, Code2College has focused on its mission to dramatically increase the number of minority and low-income students entering and excelling in STEM undergraduate majors and careers.
With over 3,000 students served and an expansion into 20 communities across the U.S., including 15 different regions, the organization’s growth is nothing short of impressive.
WP Engine has been a proud partner of Code2College since 2018, hosting high school interns and logging the most volunteer hours in the organization’s most recent Diversity STEM report.
“Code2College is doing amazing work and bringing more young people into STEM fields who may not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise,” said WP Engine VP, Diversity and Inclusion Tarsha McCormick.
“We’re not only proud to partner with them in their efforts, but we’re also excited for all of the excellent initiatives Code2College has on its roadmap for the coming year and beyond.”
How WP Engine Employees Can Make a Difference
During the session, Stephenson detailed several volunteer opportunities for WP Engine employees and others interested in contributing.
Each of the available roles is designed to fit a variety of schedules and interests.
Workshop Mentors
Volunteers can devote 1-3 hours a month to help high school students develop professional skills, gain STEM career exposure, and navigate the college admissions process.
Last year’s STEM case competition with H-E-B, focusing on a children’s mobile app, is a prime example of the exciting projects mentors can be involved in.
Instructors for After-School Coding Sessions
Volunteers are encouraged to share their expertise in technical subjects by teaching coding to students in virtual, after-school sessions.
This hands-on curriculum conducted over Zoom allows students to apply their learning immediately through small projects.
Short-Term Virtual Volunteering
For those with limited availability, Code2College also offers virtual events like essay editing, resume review, and admissions essay review.
Technical Mentorship Opportunities
Another volunteer opportunity revolves around Code2College’s ambitious goal to support, develop, and place 200 Black and Latina women in STEM roles by 2024.
This initiative aims to provide targeted mentorship and training, improving access to professional networks and promoting gender and racial equity in the technical ecosystem.
Upcoming Code2College Events
The Lunch & Learn concluded with an overview of upcoming Code2College events, including:
- Code2College IDEA Awards (Annual Volunteer Awards): Wednesday, January 31, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Atlassian (Austin).
- Black History STEM Open Mic Night: Thursday, February 22, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Eastside Tech Hub (Austin)
- Vision 2024 Summit: Women in Investing: Friday, March 22, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Atlassian (Austin).
Keep an eye on the Code2College Blog for more information on upcoming events.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between WP Engine and Code2College is more than just a collaboration; it’s an effort towards creating a more inclusive and diverse future in STEM.
The journey of Code2College is a beacon of hope and empowerment, and through partnerships like that with WP Engine, the future looks brighter for minority and low-income students stepping into the world of STEM.
Find out more about Code2College here, and learn more about WP Engine’s volunteer efforts here.
