Neil Chaudhari started coding in 8th grade, the summer before entering Greens Farms Academy.
He knows he’s lucky. Many schools don’t teach computer science at all.
Computer literacy — including coding — are “so important,” Neil says.
“It teaches analytical thinking and problem solving. Those skills are imperative to any student’s success.:
So a couple of years ago he and a friend, William McGonagle, founded the Fairfield Programming Association.
Neil is now a rising senior. William graduated, and is at Georgetown University.
And FPA is flourishing.
Fairfield Programming Association members (from left): Owen Simon, Neil Chaudhari, William McGonagle, Uri Moon Rosha, Tristan Ebrahimi, Jamie Davis, Zoma Tessema.
The student-run non-profit organization provides young, underserved students with computer science educational opportunities.
The mission statement says: “The Fairfield Programming Association was founded on the belief that anyone can learn to program, if they were given the right resources. Together, we can end educational differences based on gender, race, nationality, religion, economic standpoint, or beliefs.”
The FPA runs dozens of programs: projects, partnerships, in-person events and more.
They include the Learn Platform — a free, open source platform currently in development that will enable anyone to learn computer-related ideas, programming, electrical engineering and math — as well as a partnership with Preponderous Software and Unity Software, to create open source games and learning materials.
The FPA has partnered with the Adam J. Lewis Academy in Bridgeport, for weekly programming sessions with 4th graders.
A computer science class for kids.
FPA is entirely volunteer-run. Because it’s web-based, they’ve recruited help from all over the world. Volunteers come from as far away as Bangladesh.
Classes are global too. FPA teaches students in India.
And local. The organization is working with St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, to offer computer science to youngsters in Stamford.
The Fairfield Programming Association has grown quickly, in many directions. Right now, Neil is looking for volunteers — people with experience in programming — along with sponsors, and equipment.
To learn more, click here. For more information, email Neil: chaudharineil@fairfieldprogramming.org.
Unfortunately, as the picture shows, computer coding is considered to be a male activity. More work needs to be done to draw women and girls into it.
Yes, but that shouldn’t detract from the achievements of this student-initiated, student-run group. Good work.
We are so fortunate to have a student run and inclusive initiative such as this one. Gives me hope for the leaders of our future.