Through the collaboration between Penn State Wilkes‑Barre and Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Keystone Coding and Careers (KCC) program provides Luzerne County high school students in grades 9 and 10 with a free opportunity to learn computer science and explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) careers with a focus on developing an entrepreneurial mindset. KCC courses are taught by Penn State professors, and guest speakers bring real-world experiences to the sessions.
The spring 2024 KCC course offering is Python 1: An Introduction to Careers in Computer Science. Students will be introduced to the Python programming language, through which they will learn basic coding skills and how programs are developed. Students will learn about programming pioneers, career opportunities, and what it means to have an entrepreneurial mindset. By the end of this course, students will be ready to learn more advanced techniques taught in the Python 2 course.
To participate in this free program, students need:
- To be registered by a parent or legal guardian
- To be a Luzerne County student in grades 9 or 10
- A computer device with reliable Internet access
- An interest in technology
No prior programming skills are required. Students who complete this course satisfactorily will be eligible to enroll in Python 2 at no cost in fall 2024.
Logistics
Who: Open to the first 20 students in grades 9 or 10 from Luzerne County schools who register.
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, March 4–April 15, 2024 (no class April 1)
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Time: 6:00–7:15 p.m.
Registration: Parents or legal guardians must register their students. The deadline to register is February 26, 2024.
Questions? Contact Penn State Wilkes‑Barre Continuing Education (570‑675‑9253 or [email protected]).
Junior Achievement (JA) is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA’s programs — in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy — ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities for a successful future and upward economic mobility. Nationally, Junior Achievement reaches more than 4.8 million students per year.
About Penn State Wilkes-Barre
Penn State Wilkes-Barre provides a Big Ten education with all the advantages of a small campus. Students will find caring faculty, undergraduate research opportunities, and experienced advisers to prepare them for the career they want. Eighty‑seven percent of students receive financial aid, including scholarships.
Penn State Wilkes‑Barre offers seven bachelor’s degree and four associate degree programs that can be begun and completed at this campus. Students also have the option to begin one of Penn State’s 275+ degrees here and then transition after two years to another campus to finish.
To learn more about the campus or to schedule a visit, contact the Admissions office at 570‑675‑9238.