Computational thinking helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity. And technology is transforming every industry on the planet. Students today should learn how to create technology, not just use it.
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science designed to demystify “code,” show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. You can help raise awareness of the computer science movement and volunteer to inspire more students to try computer science, particularly young women and students from historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups.
Whether you volunteer virtually, in-person, or with your company, your efforts can make a huge impact on the way students view computer science and their own potential. Take a look at our volunteer toolkit if you still have questions.
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!
You can be a guest speaker in a classroom, or help a teacher run the activity. Sign up today to inspire students to keep learning computer science.
Computer science is the defining field of the 21st century, yet most schools still don’t teach it. One Hour of Code may be the most access to computer science that these students receive in a given year. By volunteering, you can make it even easier for teachers to bring CS into their classroom.
Check out some testimonials from past volunteers:
Teachers can search for volunteers on our volunteer map. If you’re located near their classroom, 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.
When selected, a teacher will contact you through the volunteer platform (we will never share your email address with the teacher). Work with them to determine how you can best contribute to their event, and if you’ll be visiting in-person or volunteering virtually.
If you are receiving too many requests from teachers, you can always update your preferences or unsubscribe by clicking the link provided at the bottom of any email request from a teacher.
You don’t have to use our volunteer map in order to volunteer! In fact, we recommend reaching out to teachers and administrators directly if there’s a classroom you’d like to volunteer with.
To get started: - If you’re a parent or guardian, send this email to your child’s teacher offering to help them run an Hour of Code. - If you have another school in mind, visit their website to find appropriate contacts to reach out to such as a principal or vice principal, technology or computer science instructors, or even the school’s PTSA. You could also partner with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Junior Achievement, a YMCA branch, and more to co-host an event. - If you’re unable to find a school that is hosting an Hour of Code, you can volunteer to help run your own event with your company. Check out our How-To Guide for Companies to learn more and get inspired.
Whether you’re attending an Hour of Code event remotely or in-person, you’ll have a much smoother experience if you make these preparations beforehand.
If you’re volunteering with a classroom, discuss these logistics with the teacher ahead of time:
Need more resources? Check out these other tips.
If you are the host of an event with a classroom, use the sample agenda to guide you. Confirm the agreed schedule for the day and discuss any talking points with the teacher beforehand. If you are physically visiting the class, make sure you sign in with the school and greet the teacher the day-of your event.
If you’re considering hosting the Hour of Code at home or in the community, we recommend taking a look at some of our in-depth How-To Guides for parents and organizations or companies.
Work with the school or teacher to discuss what makes the most sense. We’ve seen events that are virtual or in-person, at the company office or held in the community, and for students of all ages! You can also take a look at what other corporate partners and donors have done in the past for some inspiring ideas.
|Time | Agenda Item | |------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | |1-5 minutes | Show an inspirational video| |5-10 minutes | Introduce yourself and learn more about the students: Where do you work, what do you do, and what do you love most about your job? What or who inspired you? How did you get interested in computer science? Did you have a mentor? Ask the students questions and leave time for Q&A. | |30-60 minutes | Code! If your event is in-person, this is the time to answer questions and guide students through tough puzzles. Try not to give them the solution outright, instead, try asking them questions so they can answer themselves what went wrong, and encourage students to ask each other if they have questions. If you are volunteering virtually, work with the teacher on what the best approach might be. It may make more sense to return at the end of the session to see what progress students have made. | | |1-3 minutes | Thank everyone and share inspirational parting words. Hand out any of your company swag (stickers are awesome)! | |
The best Hour of Code experience includes Internet-connected computers. But you don’t need a computer for every child, and you can even do the Hour of Code without a computer at all! For unplugged activities, simply filter the Classroom Technology section to show options for “No computers or devices”.
If your event is going to be virtual, you’ll want to decide on your conference platform (and test it) prior to your event. This may impact the number of students you feel comfortable engaging, so it’s best to determine this prior to inviting a classroom or promoting your event. For ideas on how to run a remote Hour of Code, read our tips for a virtual Hour of Code event.
We provide a variety of fun, student-guided tutorials for all age groups and experience levels. It’s popular for students to try self-led tutorials, though you may want to begin the event with an inspirational video for everyone to view together.
Explore the activities and decide ahead of time if you want to choose a single tutorial for all of your guests, or let each child pick their own. All Hour of Code activities require minimal prep-time, and are self-guided - allowing participants to work at their own pace and skill-level.
Once you have a solid roadmap for your event, you can then start inviting students, a school, or the larger community. We recommend starting with a local school you have a relationship with or browsing our map of Hour of Code events.
After students or guests have completed their Hour of Code, it’s time to celebrate their success. Here are some ideas for making your event even more fun:
One of the best ways to help is to spread the word and promote the Hour of Code.
When you sign up your Hour of Code event, you’ll receive helpful email communications with news and tips for hosting a successful Hour of Code. It’s also how you can let local schools or parents know that you’re hosting an event near them.
Help raise awareness of the computer science movement with this sample content to post on social media and share with your employees.
Learn more about posters, videos, stickers and other ways to promote your event to your community.
For more suggestions on how to support Code.org and the Hour of Code, visit Code.org/Help
Try searching for local schools and call the principal/teacher/front office and ask how you can help.
An in-person classroom visit usually lasts 60-90 minutes while a virtual classroom visit usually lasts 20-30 minutes.
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 playing!
Teachers will be searching for volunteers on our volunteer map. Try to make your profile as complete as possible to increase the chance that a teacher will select you. If you have a preference on how you’d like to volunteer, such as being a guest speaker or as technical support, please indicate that in the description of your profile.
When selected, a teacher will contact you through the volunteer platform (your email address will never be shared with the teacher). If you are receiving too many requests from teachers, you can always update your preferences by clicking the link to edit your information or unsubscribe, provided at the bottom of any email from a teacher.
