HHF & Montgomery County Public Schools, Coding Jams!

Broader County Partnership with Code.org Announced by MCPS

WHEATON, MD – Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) hosted a LOFT Coding Jam Session at Wheaton High School at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2014, in an effort to introduce minority youth to computer coding as a bridge to career paths in technology fields to fill the skills gap in America. The free, bilingual Jam Session instructed minority youth on how to code using Code.org’s curriculum with hip-hop, jazz, and salsa music playing in the background.  During the program, MCPS also announced a broader partnership with Code.org to bring its curriculum and professional development with 10 MCPS high schools beginning 2015. Nancy Navarro and other Montgomery County leaders attended and provided remarks in support of the effort.

“Driving this effort is the belief that all young people throughout our communities deserve access to technology-based programs and trainings,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “As a Montgomery County resident, I was thrilled to partner with MCPS, Nancy Navarro, and Code.org to inspire and equip minority youth to be world-class innovators – there is no greater way to make an impact on society going forward than through technology.”

LOFT, which stands for Leaders On Fast Track, is HHF’s award-winning leadership and workforce development program and the Coding Jam Sessions, which are being executed across the country in over 10 markets, LOFT’s Innovation & Technology Track.

About HHF and LOFT
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit originally established by the White House in 1987, inspires, prepares, positions and connects minority 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, New York and the LOFT Institute is housed at Michigan State University (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org).  Follow Hispanic Heritage Foundation on Facebook and HHFoundation on Twitter.

HHF’s award-winning LOFT leadership and workforce development program is divided into 10 “Tracks,” or industries, which are priorities for America including Innovation & Technology, Science & Healthcare, Engineering, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Public Service, Law, Media & Entertainment, and Latinas.  Tens of thousands of students and young professionals are connected to each other and to mentors and resources; over 50 trainings, workshops, and informal Charlas are hosted across the country; creative initiatives are executed; and hundreds of minorities are placed into internships, mentorships, fellowships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.  Visit www.loftinnovation.org, and join http://loftnetwork.org to get on the fast track to leadership.  Follow @LOFTinstitute on Twitter.

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