SHP Student's Nonprofit Codology Receives Grant to Improve Technology Access

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, it’s more important now than ever for individuals to develop a strong understanding of its applications. But not all students have access to the necessary resources or education. That’s where one organization is making a difference.

 

Codology is a technology education non-profit organization aiming to make computer science accessible to all students, regardless of background or financial situation. The organization was founded in 2022 by Neal Chopra, a rising senior at Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) in Atherton, who saw a need for more comprehensive computer science education in schools. The organization offers live workshops, self-paced courses, research programs, tutorial videos, and other resources. 

 

Since its launch, Codology has reached over 10,000 students in over 15 countries, many of whom have gone on to pursue education in tech and attend selective programs such as the Accenture Student Leadership Program and Google Design Sprint internship. Not only that, but in Codology’s research programs, students work with mentors attending Harvard University, Cornell University, and UC Berkeley, among others. 

 

Codology seeks out students who may not have had access to technology education in the past. To that end, it offers professional development materials for teachers, as well as programs specifically designed for students from underserved backgrounds. All resources are completely free, and the organization is actively working to remove any financial barriers to accessing tech, as shown by its “Tech for Good” fundraiser aiming to distribute computers with free Codology courses to underserved communities in the Bay Area.

 

The organization continues to break barriers in the tech education space, and its innovation extends beyond workshops and research programs, such as its recent partnership with Invention Corps, an organization from UC Berkeley, to create a project discovery and portfolio platform.

 

In May, Chopra won the national “Call For Kindness” competition, sponsored by Riley’s Way Foundation, which encourages young leaders to apply for grants for community-building initiatives. He was one of 40 young people nationwide to receive a grant.

 

The competition builds on Riley’s Way’s work to invest in a youth-led kindness movement, providing young people with the programs, support, and community necessary to thrive as changemakers. To date, Riley’s Way has awarded hundreds of select young leaders across the country with up to $3,000 each to fund their projects. Along with receiving funding, Chopra will join the Riley’s Way Fellowship to access mentorship, professional development, and peer learning.

 

“The 2023 Call For Kindness winners reflect critical issues top of mind for young people today. They have answered the call to make a difference in their communities, adding to a national movement for kindness,” said Christine O’Connell, Ph.D., executive director of Riley’s Way. “Now more than ever, tech education is becoming essential for young people, and Codology has been at the forefront of providing such education.”

 

Ian Sandler, co-founder and board chair of Riley’s Way, said the competition draws in “exceptionally gifted young leaders.”

 

“These remarkable young [people] hold the key to tackling the world's most pressing issues, and we believe that by investing in them, we can help them turn their ideas into reality. Neal and his team have exemplified our values at Riley’s Way and are using their skills to remove barriers in the tech industry,” said Sandler.

 

Chopra believes that “with the support of this grant, [Codology] will be able to scale its programs, reach more underserved communities, and empower even more young individuals with the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly digital world. [And] together, we will continue to champion kindness, technology, and education as catalysts for positive change in our society.”

 

Another recent initiative by Codology is its efforts to fundraise for computer science education at Redwood City-based Siena Youth Center, a longtime non-profit partner of SHS, as a part of its “Tech for Good” campaign. Funds will be used to buy and distribute computers for those served by the center; each computer comes with unlimited free Codology computer science courses.

 

With these new computers, Codology will host workshops and summer camps to introduce computer science concepts and skills to students served by the Siena Youth Center. The partnership will help ensure that the fundraising efforts have a direct impact on the targeted underserved communities, providing opportunities for growth and empowerment.

 

“The knowledge of computer science is too valuable for it to be ignored,” said Chopra. “Not only will the funds help students access a wider range of future opportunities in tech, but it will also help them understand current computer science innovations.”