Free online summer Coding Camp offered for Black youth between Grades 8 – 12

BY PAUL JUNOR

The African Canadian Christian Network (ACCN) since its formation in 2007 has been at the forefront of the delivery of specialized programs for Black youth.

According to its website: accntoronto.com, it is “A network of Black churches and allies with a social justice agenda, working together with communities, governments and institutions to improve the life outcomes for Black youth and their families.”

The vision of ACCN is “To see Black youth achieving academic success, becoming leaders and role models, leading lives free from violence, and contributing as citizens of their communities.” One of its signature programs has been offering scholarships to Black boys and girls through its Independent School Program.

Rev. Alvin Nicholson, ACCN Board Chair states, “ACCN continues to seek support for our Black youth to remove barriers to success in areas such as Education, Employment, Family and Crime Prevention. Our partnerships with these prestigious institutions allow our young people to get on the right trajectory to a great education while honing in on their remarkable leadership skills. It is important that our young people be defined by the social and civic contribution they make with the opportunities they are given, rather than be defined by the communities in which they live.”

The ACCN Action Plan states that it will engage in activities to assist youth and families through;

• Exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, plus High Skilled Trades)
• Mentoring for parents (P2P) and Youth GLEEM- Growing Leaders and Empowering Everyday Mind)
• Promoting Academic Excellence in Public and Independent Schools
• Supporting anti-violence initiatives

One of the greatest initiatives of the ACCN has been its involvement with the first ever Black robotic team; ACCN Techtronix. It raised $3,640 through a Gofundme campaign towards the team’s involvement in robotic completions.

Its Parent 2 Parent (P2P) program offers mentoring for parents by parents. P2P involves three specific delivery programs through circle families, online parent support community and a community parent education program (CPEP). P2P is offered through the involvement of three specific partners. They include Generation Chosen Anchoring Youth from Volatile Communities, Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators (ONABS) Parenting Committees and the Black Family and Child Network.

ACCN is committed to its mission and believes in the untapped potential residing in Black youth. They believe that with the right tools, knowledge and opportunities Black youth have bright futures and will assume their rightful place at the table in all sectors of society.

ACCN is offering a free online summer coding camp for Black youth in Grades 8 -12.

Coding has become important in the revised grades 1-8 elementary math curriculum and in the recently introduced new grade nine math curriculum. The camp will run from July 5^th – July 30^th on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm or 12:00 pm -2:00 pm.

No prior experience is necessary. Students will learn coding fundamentals, game design, app development, java and robotics and design a project. There is limited space and registration will be first come, first served. There are currently 205 registrations and they are at capacity.