How to volunteer for an Hour of Code

The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, using fun tutorials to show that anybody can learn the basics. As a volunteer, your efforts can make a huge impact on the way students view computer science and their own potential.

Anyone passionate about computer science education and increasing diversity in tech can be a volunteer! We'd love to see volunteers of all backgrounds participate. The Hour of Code features a large variety of activities for all ages and skill levels, so you don't need to be a programming expert to volunteer.


1

Decide how you want to volunteer

You don't need a technical background or a degree in computer science—you're already qualified as you are! There are a few ways you can get involved in Hour of Code as a volunteer:

Before Hour of Code

  • Reach out to a school in your area. Email a local teacher or administrator to see if they need support for their Hour of Code event. Check out our sample email for volunteers to get started!
  • Run an event with your company. Check out our how-to guide for companies to set up an organization-wide Hour of Code event!
  • Sign up on the volunteer map. From there, teachers in your area will be able to reach out to you. Teachers will review your profile on the map, so try to complete as much as possible to increase the chance that a teacher will contact you.
Sign up to volunteer
2

Register your event

No matter how you decide to volunteer, work with your event organizer to register your Hour of Code event. You'll receive early access to information about new activities and special promotions!

You can also view the Hour of Code map to see your event, and know that your dedication is part of a worldwide movement.

Register your event
3

Plan your classroom visit

If you're volunteering with a classroom, discuss these logistics with the teacher ahead of time to better understand their needs:

  • What is your role, as a volunteer, at the event? If you work in tech, you might be asked to share your personal experience or story. Can you help the teacher prepare by doing the activity together in advance? Can you walk around the classroom to answer questions or encourage students as they do their Hour of Code?
  • If you'll be volunteering virtually or in-person. This can determine what times you need to be present and in what capacity.
  • Local and school health and safety guidelines. Depending on their procedures you may need to complete a background check or arrive a little early for check-in at an in-person event.
  • This year, the Hour of Code theme is Creativity with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Make this year special by completing a coding activity AND learning about AI.
4

Help spread the word

Help raise awareness of the computer science movement by sharing your volunteer plans with your friends and colleagues on your social media accounts (e.g. LinkedIn).

Share on social media
5

Get coding!

As the students are working, feel free to answer questions—but try not to give them the solution outright. Ask them questions so they can answer themselves what went wrong. Encourage students to help each other if they get stuck.

Day of Hour of Code

If you don't have the answer, that's okay! Let the student know that you're in this together and work alongside them to figure it out.

6

Celebrate

After your event, print certificates of completion and congratulate your students. Share photos and videos of your Hour of Code event and show off your students' achievements using #HourOfCode and @codeorg.

Print certificates
7

Beyond Hour of Code

Support computer science learning year-round!

After Hour of Code

If you had fun, the work doesn't have to stop with the Hour of Code. Consider volunteering year round with programs like TEALS or advocate for computer science education.

Become an advocate

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQs
I haven't been contacted by a teacher yet. How can I still volunteer?

Try searching for local schools and call the principal/teacher/front office and ask how you can help.

How long do classroom visits last for?

An in-person classroom visit usually lasts 60-90 minutes while a virtual classroom visit usually lasts 20-30 minutes.

What age group is the Hour of Code activity appropriate for?

Code.org and our partners design all the Hour of Code activities to engage students of all grade levels (K-12) from all backgrounds. Everyone—even adults—can have fun learning!

Other Hour of Code resources

Promotional Resources

Find all the resources you need—print and digital—to bring attention to your Hour of Code.

Discover Activities

Explore a wide selection of one-hour tutorials designed for all ages in over 45 languages.

How to Get Involved

Help spread the word about Hour of Code! Discover ways to get your community involved.