[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/XD23CQUK9Uo” height=”340″]

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The non-profit organization Rural Up! is at the University of Pikeville this week teaching computer coding to teens in eastern Kentucky.

Twenty middle and high school students attended the week-long camp. The kids learned how to make their own websites, mobile apps and video games.

“Some of the students came in with a little bit of computer science experience, maybe they’ve taking a class or two, or dabbled on their own,” said Rural Up! lead instructor Nick Such.

“Some students were brand new to it. For all the students it’s a chance to learn about the code or about the software that goes on behind-the-scenes in all of their favorite computer programs and games.”

The camp was free for those who attended.

“Today is the last day of our camp,” added Such. “We’ve had a four-day camp here. The first three days were all learning and then today is our project and presentation day. The students will make presentations to their peers, parents, friends and siblings.”

Such says learning computer codes is very important, even if you don’t necessarily plan on going into a coding career. 

“This is a generation that’s grown up around computers, around smart phones … computers are everywhere. The impact of computer software on their lives from healthcare to finance to manufacturing is huge.”

For more information or to schedule a camp visit the Rural Up! website.