High School Student Opportunity: Summer of Coding

Computer programming (coding) empowers people to bring ideas to life. While it can take years to become an expert, the journey starts with a first step. At the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, we seek to open doors for youth from across BC to make a positive impact. By learning a few concepts of computer programming, it is our hope that youth will discover a passion for coding and choose to continue exploring the space.

A NEW APPROACH
The Wasserman laboratory at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute is developing a new education program for high school students interested in learning computer programming. We are currently seeking students who would be interested in demoing this exciting new program at no cost. As coding can be perceived as difficult and isolating, the new approach attempts to connect participants and encourage them to learn together. To enable such interaction and create broad access for interested youth, the new class features three important aspects:
• Online learning materials created by UBC computer science students intended to be fun and approachable
• Interactive sessions in which teaching assistants will engage with students to assist with challenges and the opportunity for students to interact and learn from like-minded peers
• A free computer (a Raspberry Pi 400 Linux Computer) so all students will have access to the same resources.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
x10 BC students aged 14-17 who are interested in learning about computer programing in July and/or August. As this is the initial iteration of the program, it will be limited to the small cohort. Additional students should have opportunity to participate in future editions of the program in the upcoming school year.
All supplies and course materials will be provided at no cost. No previous experience in computer programing is necessary. Students will have access to teaching assistants and their peers virtually during the course of the program. The estimated time commitment is 5-7 hours a week for 3-6 weeks, the program is self-paced to allow for scheduling flexibility. Participants will require access to a stable internet connection.
As space for the initial iteration of this unique new program is limited to only 10 students from across BC, we’d encourage educators to only forward the details along to individual students who you feel will be a good fit for the program at this initial stage.
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute
950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4H4
t 604.875.3194 f 604.875.2496
www.bcchr.ca

WHAT WILL STUDENTS DO
During the course of program students will:
• Learn to install and set up a provided Raspberry Pi 400 computer
• Complete 3-6 course modules online over July and/or August to start learning to program in the Python computer language
• Participate in weekly video conference with instructors and peers
The program has been set-up to allow flexibility. Students can participate in 3-6 modules at their own pace over July and/or August (taking weeks off to focus on other activities). The estimated time committeemen for each module is 5-7 hours over approximately one week. This includes 3-4 hours of instructional materials and 2-3 hours of video conferencing with teaching assistants and peers.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, interested students should email wyeth@bcchr.ca with the following information before
July 4, 2022. Late applications will be considered if space is available.
• First & Last Name
• Age
• School Name
• Home Address
• Parent or Guardian Name & Email Address
• 2-4 sentences indicating how you found out about this opportunity and why you are interested in participating

FEEDBACK
It is hoped that students will share their perspective about the experience throughout the process. As
this will be the first edition of the program, we will be learning with the students about what aspects of
are working well and what can be improved. Ideal participants will be willing to give feedback and
engage with the program faculty.