Thanks to a Congressional District Spending grant awarded to Red Wing Ignite, we are able to pilot Youth Coding Leagues targeting 5th through 8th grades in Goodhue County. Five schools formed teams this Fall, serving 103 students countywide. We are excited to welcome these schools and recognize the wonderful coaches who’ve stepped up to lead them. Out of 44 leagues nationwide, Goodhue County school, current standings put them in the upper 25%!
Here is a big shout-out to our first-year teams!
● Bluff View Elementary, Coach Diane Spence has 19 Coders in 5th/ 6th grades
● Goodhue Elementary School, Coach Joe Larson has 9 Coders in 7th/ 8th grades
● Kenyon-Wanamingo Middle School, Coach Laura McAnally 17 coders in 5/6th & 7/8th
● Twin Bluffs Middle School, Coach Kayla Anderson has two teams totaling 39 coders in 5/6 & 7/8th grades
● Zumbrota-Mazeppa School, Coach Lidia Wallerich has 17 coders in 5/6th grades
Zumbrota Mazeppa
Coders say “It’s just fun… and to be doing this with friends is even better.” A sentiment expressed at every school .
Kenyon Wanamingo
Coders Kaleb and Anthony; Coach Laura McAnally with Sadie!
Bluff View Elementary, Lake City
Whether alone or with a buddy, these students are focused and having fun at the same time!
Tahli says she “likes how she can pick her own settings” and Peyton and Ireland agree “they like being creative.” Mason, the top coder and digital native, may just be coaching the coach 🙂
Goodhue County Schools are preparing our youth with the future ready skills they need in a changing economy. Our visits with the YCL teams are proving that the sports model is motivating our youth to have fun while involved in STEM learning activities.
Red Wing Ignite is grateful to be working with Codefi | Works, in Cape Girardeaux, Mississippi, creators of Youth Coding Leagues. RWI and Codefi are members of the Rural Innovation Network, with the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) About – Center on Rural Innovation.