StreetCode Academy: Empowering communities of color to thrive in a digital age

Image courtesy of StreetCode Academy

We over here at reWerk are such huge fans of StreetCode Academy and the work they do to invest in communities of color. Founded in 2016, their mission is to empower communities of color to achieve their full potential by introducing the skills, mindsets, and networks needed to embrace tech and innovation. In a world where the digital divide further exacerbates the opportunity gap, StreetCode Academy acts as a bridge between Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and the technology they need to thrive in a digital age. 

reWerk facilitated donations of more than 350 laptops and monitors to StreetCode Academy’s Level-Up program from Disney, Airbnb and Uber in the last year and a half since the beginning of the pandemic. StreetCode’s primary focus is BIPOC learners throughout Northern California, and their Level-Up program launched in May 2020 to respond to the learning loss occurring in their local school district. 11% of the school district did not log into class, and on average, each household had roughly 1 computer to every 5 people. 

“The pandemic hits. I’m told now I have to homeschool my kids, and I only have one computer, my laptop from work, [and] I work from home — having that StreetCode computer really helped us out.”

That is striking, especially when you consider how reliant most of us are to computers for school and work. StreetCode didn’t take that need lightly. Through their Level-Up initiative, what started out as an inventory of 200 laptops has now grown to more than 1,500. Aaron Barron, Partnerships Manager at StreetCode Academy noted that the tech donations enable them to “not only supply our community with technology, but unlock economic and social capital that comes with ownership of our future.” 

Image courtesy of StreetCode Academy

It’s more than just the tech

What we love about StreetCode Academy’s vision is that they go beyond addressing the tech-aspects of the digital divide. They also make a tremendous impact by being the bridge between communities of color and access opportunities in Silicon Valley.

To date, more than 6,000 students have gone through StreetCode’s programs -- through classes, workshops, and collaborations with other nonprofit organizations. With youth classes that focus on learners from the ages of 3-10 and advanced classes open to all community members across the life spectrum, they create access to opportunities of all ages. Dedicated classes in specific subjects are offered quarterly and serve small, targeted age brackets to promote effective learning. Pop-up classes encourage full family participation. 

The vast majority of StreetCode learners (80%) come from East Palo Alto and Belle Haven. 95% of those students are from low to moderate-income households. 60% of students are youths under the age of 18. 45% of the students StreetCode Academy serves are LatinX, 30% are African American, 15% are Pacific Islander, and 10% are self-identified other. Approximately 8% are English-Language Learners. And StreetCode’s programs provide opportunities for these learners to explore their creativity and innovation, to pursue their goals and passions, and to thrive.

There’s no stopping StreetCode

While building up a steady amount of resources is always a challenge, StreetCode is continually pushing for resources and partnerships to allow them to reach and serve more communities, beyond Northern California and eventually around the country.

“Without StreetCode Academy we would not have access to a laptop at all for my children. With these laptops, my children were able to participate in multiple virtual classes/group activities and for the first time, my son was able to give a virtual presentation. With these laptops, I was able to attend the StreetCode business classes as well as the pop-up financial courses that really have given me the inspiration to continue with starting my own business.”

Keep your eye on StreetCode

Save the date and RSVP here for StreetCode Academy’s 5-Year Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 11. The virtual and in-person community-wide event will be a time to celebrate and reflect on StreetCode’s time in East Palo Alto and imagine the heights they’ll reach next.