About Code Youth
Creating opportunities for at-risk youth
Code Youth Canada was founded and incorporated as a not-profit organization July 6, 2017 by Mona Forrest. As a long-time foster mother, Mona frequently witnesses the distress and financial instability of today’s youth. Her experience moved her to create Code Youth.
Code Youth engaged with the community, summer project members, volunteers, youth-serving organizations and technology companies to develop a strong social media presence, form relationships to support youth, and conduct multiple studies to better understand the challenges that today’s youth face. Every member of Code Youth’s team is passionate about supporting youth in overcoming barriers to employment.
The Opportunity
In 2019, an Information and Communications Technology Council report revealed that under a moderate growth scenario, the demand for digitally-skilled talent in Canada will reach more than 305,000 by 2023.
Code Youth aims to prepare youth to fill these positions.
In Ontario
Who We Help
Code Youth serves young adults ages 17 to 29 who are early leavers of high school or are facing barriers to education or employment.
The Need
An environmental scan of resources for youth in 2017 revealed that Canadian online courses are not easily available, free or adapted to high school leavers. In fact, coding programs can be both lengthy and expensive.
As a result, young adults today do not have access to the training or resources needed to climb out of low-paying, part-time jobs in the food service and retail industries.
An environmental scan of resources for youth in 2017 revealed that Canadian online courses are not easily available, free or adapted to high school leavers. In fact, coding programs can be both lengthy and expensive.
As a result, young adults today do not have access to the training or resources needed to climb out of low-paying, part-time jobs in the food service and retail industries.
Code youth's Mission and values
Code Youth’s mission is to support at-risk and underserved youth between the ages of 17-29 in finding employment solutions, especially youth who have dropped out of high school. We provide entry level coding training and the tools necessary to find meaningful entry level employment in the IT sector.
A world where youth who have not completed high school will have a second chance at acquiring relevant skills and an opportunity to improve their quality of life by building a rewarding career in technology.
The growing number of IT jobs in Ontario presents an invaluable opportunity for today’s youth. At Code Youth, we provide youth ages 17-29 with a free hybrid (in-person and online) training program that will allow them to qualify for entry-level positions in Ontario’s technology sector. To ensure that our participants receive quality training, we are committed to developing a comprehensive program and gathering inputs from young people, youth-serving organizations, and tech companies.
our Values
Equality
Code Youth strives to maintain an inclusive working and learning environment. We value diversity and believe in treating everyone with respect. We welcome people of all backgrounds and strive to provide all program participants with an opportunity to succeed.
Transparency
Code Youth upholds a high standard of integrity. As such, we strive for transparency and honesty in all our operations.
Creating and Driving Change
Code Youth teaches code, not only as a valuable skill, but as a channel to cultivate creativity and individual interests. We hope to inspire our participants with the confidence needed to drive change, both in their professional and personal lives.
Best Practices in Teaching and Learning
Code Youth is committed to developing an innovative learning system that accommodates the needs of every learner. To design our program, we have gathered input from educators, industry professionals, and participants alike. We carefully consider all suggestions to better support our participants.
Good Stewardship
Code Youth believes in treating both natural and human resources with care and respect. Our stewardship extends beyond our day-to-day operations; from the gifts in-kind to the donations we receive.
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