Alumni engagement and philanthropy



INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CODERS  

04 June 2018

CodeCamp, the hugely popular annual workshop run by leading provider of digital services and platforms Kainos, in association with Queen’s University, is back for its sixth year and is now open for applications. And as CodeCamp is free, those hoping to bag a place will need to be quick!

Designed to introduce young people to the world of computer programming and improve their technical skills the two-week CodeCamp will run from 16-27 July in Queen’s Computer Science Building and will give 14 to 18-year-olds the chance to boost their skills in computing technology and coding, ultimately inspiring them to pursue IT careers.

Aimed at STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students, 150 slots will be available on the Foundation Course for 14-16 year olds keen to learn how to build apps, websites and gain essential IT skills.

A further 50 Advanced Course places are up for grabs – depending on knowledge and experience – for STEM students aged 17 to 18 or those aged 14 to 16 who have previously attended CodeCamp. Advanced students can expect to learn about HTML, CSS and Java Script and develop their own websites with the guidance of professional mentors from Kainos and Queen’s.  

Encouraging applications Gemma Crothers, Tech Outreach Manager at Kainos said: “We have been inundated with requests already for this year’s event. CodeCamp is part of our Tech Outreach programme, where we reach out to young people to help them develop and hone skills they don’t even know they need yet.

“We are working hard to address the substantial digital skills gap and especially the underrepresentation of females that exists across the UK, in our sector.”

This year’s attendees will hear a range of inspirational talks from guest speakers on everything from cybercrime to artificial intelligence. Students will also experience the latest developments in technology in a fun and innovative way as well as develop coding techniques, at their own pace.

In addition, on the social side, they get to meet new people, make new friends and win some phenomenal tech prizes, sponsored by Danske Bank, to reward their progress and coding capabilities.

“It is essential that we inspire and educate young people about IT,” continued Ms Crothers. “Their futures will be determined by a digital society and we want to show them what technology looks like as a career.

“The principal function of our Tech Outreach programme is to encourage more students to pursue STEM subjects and careers, as well as boost industry awareness and experience and assist with future work experience placements,” she added.

Kainos was founded as a joint venture between Fujitsu and Queen's business incubation unit QUBIS Ltd in 1986 and was one of Northern Ireland's first campus ‘spin out’ companies.

Applications – which can be made online – will include a 250-word statement on why the student would like to attend and how they expect to benefit from it.

General inquiries to Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office at Queen’s; tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.

Photo credit: Kainos

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