Employers are increasingly concerned about the availability of technical talent in the workforce. As technology advances rapidly, more industries depend on digital and technical skills. However, there's a significant mismatch between the skills employers need and what schools are preparing students for. A report from the National Skills Coalition found that 92% of jobs now require digital skills, yet nearly one-third of workers lack foundational digital skills. This skills gap poses a substantial economic risk, with estimates suggesting a potential loss of $8.5 trillion in economic output in the U.S. alone by 2030. Companies are acutely aware of this issue, with 87% acknowledging they already face or will soon face a skills gap. One of the most pressing issues contributing to this gap is the lack of educational courses designed to engage students in technology careers before they enter high school.
Research shows that getting kids involved in STEM activities before age 14 can significantly influence their future career choices and academic success. For instance, a study by Microsoft found that 78% of students who chose STEM subjects in college had made that decision by high school or earlier. Additionally, the National Girls Collaborative Project found that girls exposed to STEM activities and role models early on are more likely to follow STEM career paths. Programs targeting low-income and minority students have also shown significant improvements in interest and achievement in STEM, suggesting that early intervention can help bridge socioeconomic gaps.
While app-based and gamified learning platforms are great for getting younger students excited about STEM, they can lead to surface-level engagement and don't always help students retain what they've learned. These platforms often miss out on providing real-world, hands-on experiences and personalized feedback, both of which are crucial for truly understanding the material. Incorporating live online instructors as mentors can be a powerful strategy to foster interest and engagement in technology careers, especially in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This approach aligns well with CSR goals, emphasizing the importance of supportive and inclusive educational environments.
Coco Coders is an online STEM skills and career exploration program for kids aged 6–12 that focuses on teaching valuable skills like computing, communication, collaboration, and creativity. What sets Coco apart is the impact of personalized attention from highly-trained professional coding instructors on students. These groups are then guided by highly-trained coding instructors who work remotely, ensuring each child gets the personalized attention they need to thrive. This flexible online model means students can access top-notch coding lessons no matter where they are.
Coco Coders' curriculum—which is accredited by STEM.org and featured in the EdSurge Product Index—doesn't just teach coding. It also helps kids develop important skills like creativity, communication, and teamwork. The program uses a 30-level system to track students' progress, ensuring they gain a deep and lasting understanding of coding, much like mastering math fundamentals.
Coco Coders maximizes these benefits by partnering with corporations to deliver high-quality STEM education to children. This partnership directly supports CSR goals such as promoting education, fostering workforce development, and enhancing community engagement. Coco Coders helps these companies meet their goals by offering opportunities to support local STEM clubs and participate in various educational events. Corporate employees can also volunteer their time, demonstrating a commitment to community support and educational advancement.
In recent months, Coco Coders has collaborated with Casey's, Cytiva, and NewBoCo to create a white paper. The study looks at how national employers can make a local impact by focusing on depth of impact over so-called "vanity" metrics in 2024. Among other findings, research has revealed that many large employers are actively looking for ways to avoid becoming "faceless" in the eyes of both their employees and customers. Investing in education for local communities by providing meaningful learning opportunities for each student over surface-level engagement is at the top of many employers' minds.
Coco Coders' mission is to ensure every kid is ready for the future. With 67% of new STEM jobs in computing and tech careers offering higher salaries, Coco Coders is setting students up for success in a tech-driven world. Through partnerships with corporate sponsors, Coco Coders enhances community outreach, enriches educational opportunities, and fosters a workforce ready to innovate and compete globally. To learn more about Coco Coders, visit their website at www.cococoders.com.
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