Code Rising

Our Story

Code Rising is a free STEAM-intensive workforce preparation program for Alexandria families. We take a long-term, research-based approach to STEAM education by weaving hallmarks of a holistic, whole-person approach into our project-based, career-oriented STEAM exploration program for students. We produce measurable improvements in our student's social and emotional health, and to increase the likelihood of students pursuing STEAM-related professional pathways.

By intertwining education and exposure, skill building and training, mentorship, professional development, wrap-around supports, and personal identity and social development work, we encourage the skills, confidence, and competency every student will need to succeed in a career in technology. We are committed to supporting students and families who come from adverse childhood experiences (ACE).

In the summer of 2024, Code Rising kicked off our Alexandria programming by bringing our STEAM Space Summer Camp program to students in Chirilagua. We provided bilingual and culturally responsive hands-on learning, and sparking interest in fields like robotics, AI, and cybersecurity for students in K-12. 41 students participated in our summer camp, with all students showing enthusiasm and interest in STEAM.  

In 2025, at our annual summer camp, we launched our first pre-apprenticeship program for high-school students. Students 9 - 12th grade participated in projects that sharpened their skills in STEAM, and each student received the Patricia Wallace STEM Scholarship, which included a $1,125 cash scholarship and a free MacBook. All K-8 students were given access to brand new computers to explore new career paths in STEAM.

In the fall of 2025, we launched our first ever after-school K-12 program. Code Rising students participated in weekly workforce classes that focused on developing their skills and awareness in STEAM careers. 

Impact

Our comprehensive programs have created meaningful impact for families, providing our students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to success in tomorrow's technology-driven careers. 

We are grateful to be supported in this work by partners like Amazon, Dominion Energy, Computer Core, and Cyber.org, and to partner with NASA, Vice President Kamala Harris's Space4All Initiative, and outstanding student instructors from Virginia Tech to enhance the learning experience. Through our programming, students traveled to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, NASA’s Headquarters, and Amazon HQ2 to engage in project-based learning experiences and engagement with bilingual career professional technologists and astronauts. 

Here is a snapshot of our results: 

* 2024: 41 students served daily for a 3-week summer camp

* 2025: 54 students served daily for a 3-week summer camp

* 2025 after-school program launch: 83 students served monthly (18 high school, 25 middle school, 40 elementary)

* $13,500 in scholarships awarded to high school students

* Free personal MacBooks given to all high school students

* Weekly workforce training sessions with on-site corporate headquarter visits to build workplace readiness and industry connections

* Transportation provided to all students for daily access and for field trips

* Meals and snacks provided at every session

* Prizes and awards given for student achievement 

* Increased STEAM training for girls through our partnership with Space of Her Own (SOHO)

The Problem We Are Solving

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are growing nearly three times faster than the overall U.S. job market, with an 8.1% increase and over 870,000 new jobs projected by 2034 and median wages exceeding $100,000. Yet, despite this growth, underrepresentation persists among vulnerable communities, as noted by the National Science Foundation. At the same time, students are still recovering from pandemic learning loss; Alexandria City Public Schools reports modest gains (math +4%, science +3%; pass rates 55% and 53%), but performance remains more than 10% below the state average, limiting access to critical STEM opportunities.

Code Rising is eliminating the hurdles that underserved communities face when it comes to accessing STEAM education opportunities. The years in early childhood and primary education are important for students to gain exposure to STEAM. Most importantly, introducing STEAM in K-12 alongside their primary education can spark an interest in STEAM careers among underserved students so that they build confidence, have fun, and learn the introductory skills in technology they will need to access rewarding careers in STEAM fields. Thanks to the generosity of our dedicated donors and volunteers, we are proud to continue to empower and prepare students with a research-driven, equitable STEAM education to prepare them for careers in the future. Join us!