Press Release
CORE Offers Free Bootcamp Using Music to Teach Coding
September 4, 2021
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Adult education programs across Virginia are innovating real solutions to meet the needs of their adult learners and provide new career pathway options for Virginians. One such initiative is the virtual Code Beats Computer Coding Bootcamp which uses Hip Hop and other musical beats in an interactive format to teach computer coding to adults. Registration is free and open through September 12 at computercore.org/codebeats.
Beginning the week of September 13 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, participants will find out what a career in computer science is all about—and have fun while doing it! Code Beats is a free, 5-week introductory class taught by Virginia Commonwealth University professors, with support from nonprofit Computer CORE, that emphasizes creativity and collaboration to build interest in programming as a career.
Learners interact with instructors during each lesson through a live broadcast that includes online voting and virtual guests such as Taylor Barnett from NO BS! Brass, and provides music theory basics along with coding. At the end of bootcamp there is a friendly competition to see who can create the best beat!
VCU Educational Specialist with the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC), Katherine Hansen, is coordinating this statewide effort. Hansen says,
“Adult Education is instrumental in helping many Virginians get back to work. Providing a pathway for learning computer coding is a great way to learn a new skill that can provide a life-sustaining wage to many adults from the safety of their own home”.
After successful completion of the 5-week bootcamp, participants can continue with a free 6- to 9-month online Introduction to Computer Programming class with Computer CORE designed to bridge Code Beats with a community college credentialed course. Students will gain skills and confidence needed to thrive, as well as learn from computer industry professionals.
Hansen said the bootcamp goes beyond just having fun.
“We hope to demystify computer coding and make it accessible to an audience that may otherwise never be exposed to it.”
To learn more about Code Beats and other adult education opportunities, contact Computer CORE at info@computercore.org, or 703-931-7346.
Adult learners can register for Code Beats until September 12.
Start Date: September 14
Class Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Cost to Students: Free
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About The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center at VCU (VALRC)
Through funding from the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (VDOE OCTAE), the VALRC equips the field of adult education with essential skills and resources to help Virginia’s adult learners meet the demands of today’s workforce. Learn more about adult education in the U.S. and current state in Virginia.
About Computer CORE
Since 1999, Computer CORE has prepared underserved adults to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills. Computer CORE (Community OutReach and Education) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to help northern Virginia adults acquire the technological and life skills needed to pursue their career aspirations. Immigrants and women make up a high proportion of Computer CORE’s students and 99% are people of color.