{"id":148861,"date":"2024-01-11T14:32:28","date_gmt":"2024-01-11T20:32:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/?p=148861"},"modified":"2025-05-14T13:31:46","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T18:31:46","slug":"empowering-the-next-generation-with-code2college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/case-studies\/empowering-the-next-generation-with-code2college\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering the Next Generation With Code2College"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This week, WP Engine employees participated in an informative Lunch & Learn session focused on Code2College<\/a>, an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit organization making significant strides in the STEM education landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The session, led by Code2College CEO and Co-founder Matt Stephenson<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Code2College: A Story of Impact and Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Code2College CEO and Co-founder Matt Stephenson. Since its inception in 2016, Code2College has expanded across the U.S.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCode2College is doing amazing work and bringing more young people into STEM fields who may not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise,\u201d said WP Engine VP, Diversity and Inclusion Tarsha McCormick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not only proud to partner with them in their efforts, but we\u2019re also excited for all of the excellent initiatives Code2College has on its roadmap for the coming year and beyond.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How WP Engine Employees Can Make a Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the session, Stephenson detailed several volunteer opportunities for WP Engine employees and others interested in contributing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each of the available roles is designed to fit a variety of schedules and interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workshop Mentors <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year’s STEM case competition with H-E-B<\/a>, focusing on a children’s mobile app, is a prime example of the exciting projects mentors can be involved in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Code2College makes a number of volunteer opportunities available, including mentorships for high school students interested in STEM careers<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Instructors for After-School Coding Sessions <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Volunteers are encouraged to share their expertise in technical subjects by teaching coding to students in virtual, after-school sessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This hands-on curriculum conducted over Zoom allows students to apply their learning immediately through small projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short-Term Virtual Volunteering<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For those with limited availability, Code2College also offers virtual events like essay editing, resume review, and admissions essay review. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical Mentorship Opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another volunteer opportunity revolves around Code2College’s ambitious goal to support, develop, and place 200 Black and Latina women in STEM roles by 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This initiative aims to provide targeted mentorship and training, improving access to professional networks and promoting gender and racial equity in the technical ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upcoming Code2College Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Lunch & Learn concluded with an overview of upcoming Code2College events, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n