Organizing Academic Workshops (CodeHouse Prep Series) (9 pts) - Class of 2027

 

Organizing CodeHouse Prep has been one of the most academically rigorous and impactful leadership experiences of my college career, and it is an initiative that is still ongoing. Along with one other student, I co-created and continue to lead a multi-session workshop program that introduces high school students from urban schools in our city to computer science, web development, and artificial intelligence. From the outset, we developed the full curriculum, designed instructional materials, created evaluation rubrics, and facilitated sessions while continuously assessing student progress and outcomes.

This role extends beyond presenting content. We intentionally design lessons that combine technical rigor with accessibility, guiding students through hands-on projects and evaluating their work using rubrics we created to measure both technical understanding and problem-solving skills. Because the program is ongoing, we actively refine the curriculum based on student feedback and performance, allowing us to strengthen instruction and better support student growth over time.

A central goal of CodeHouse Prep is expanding access and opportunity. Early exposure to computer science and AI provides students with a meaningful advantage as they prepare for college applications, scholarships, and future academic programs in technology. For students who may not otherwise have access to advanced technical education, participating in this program helps position them competitively while building confidence and technical literacy.

Leading this ongoing program has affirmed my interest in building sustainable educational systems that create long-term impact. It has strengthened my skills in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and evaluation, and reinforced my belief that intentional early exposure to technology can meaningfully change academic and professional trajectories. I plan to continue growing this initiative while pursuing future opportunities that merge technical education with equity-driven impact.

By Joie Whitmon