THE MEXICAN CONSULATE AND HISPANIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION HOSTED A LOFT CODING JAM AT THE MEXICAN CONSULATE
Mexican Immigrants Introduced to Coding during Free and Bilingual Workshops
SAN JOSE, CA – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), the Mexican Consulate, and Saber es Pode hosted a Latinos on Fast Track (LOFT) Coding Jam Session for immigrants at the Consulate General of Mexico San Jose office from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PST on August 27th and 28th, 2015. The free, bilingual Coding Jam Session, introduced and instructed youth how to code with volunteers from the private sector and HHF staff. Google provided Chromebooks to participants for the session, and music was played to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The effort will be expanded to other Mexican Consulates nationwide.
“Driving this effort is the belief that all youth throughout our communities deserve access to technology-based programs and have an opportunity to enter the workforce in a stronger position as well as innovate,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “Our Coding as a Second Language, or CSL, effort will provide a value proposition to the workforce while shattering stereotypes and redefining the landscape of the technology industry. The Mexican Consulate and Saber es Poder share our vision to better prepare our community for success in America by learning two second languages – English and coding.”
The Coding Jam Sessions are part of HHF’s Code as a Second Language (CSL) initiative, which also include Coder Summits (hundreds of Latino programmers attended a historical summit in Silicon Valley in the spring of 2015), Charlas (informal conversations with experts), and 8-session coding classes throughout the year at middle and high schools, along with online follow up (CSL is being taught in up to 50 schools in 15 regions). To learn more about CSL, or become a sponsor or to request CSL come to a school or community, visit www.loftcsl.org.
HHF’s award-winning LOFT leadership and workforce development program is divided into 10 priorities or Tracks including Innovation & Technology, Engineering, Science, Healthcare, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Public Service, Media & Entertainment, and Latinas. Tens of thousands of students and young professionals (ages 15-35) in the LOFT Network are connected to each other, mentors, and resources; attend over 75 trainings, workshops, and informal Charlas hosted across the country and online; develop and execute creative initiatives; and hundreds are placed into internships, mentorships, fellowships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. LOFT has been recognized by The White House, Congress,the government of Mexico, Fortune 500 companies, and other nonprofits. Southwest Airlines is the Official Airline of the LOFT program.
About HHF
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, which was originally established by the White House in 1988, inspires, prepares, positions and connects Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities. HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions. HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, New York and the LOFT Institute is housed at Michigan State University (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.)
About SABEResPODER
SABEResPODER is a Spanish-language media company, focused on empowering the lives of Latinos as an established resource to the community. Through our multiple platform networks, we deliver educational content on relevant topics that improve people’s lives. Our mission—to educate people and empower lives —is woven throughout every touch point we have. Our network of video, print, mobile, digital, and educational events offers practical tools for Latinos who are actively seeking information and solutions to further establish themselves in U.S. society.
