Last semester, I met a remarkably bright student named Pernell Hale, a 4th-grader at Mark Twain School for the Talented and Gifted in southern Dallas. His enthusiasm for the Bold Idea courses was infectious, and his mentors commented on his ability to tackle any coding challenge with a determined mindset.
Before joining Bold Idea's after-school Coding Clubs program, Pernell had dabbled in coding using MIT’s Scratch, a visual programming language where students click and drag blocks of code. His goal was always to see how complex he could make his coding projects.
With his past experience, Pernell’s mentors knew he could take on a bigger challenge: Website development, a first among his Coding Club peers. Recently, after months of hard work, he completed his first website project for a company of his own creation - the ‘Shoot for the Stars Travel Agency’.
“When I started website coding it was hard and confusing, but the more I learned, the easier it got,” he said with confidence. “Working with the mentors is fun, and we can talk it out. It’s easy to go through, because they’ve taught me a lot.”
It’s clear that he’s proud of what he created and excited to amaze others with his new skills in HTML, CSS and Javascript coding.
Pernell added that he would tell any other 4th grader that coding is really fun, and they should try it out. At just 10-years old, he’s on a set path to a future in computer science.
“Coding is my dream job!” he said. “I love it!”
Bold Idea exists for students like Pernell and his Coding Club peers, creating access to computer science and changing their beliefs about what they can accomplish.
Bold Idea Creates Vision for Unobstructed Computer Science Access
Bold Idea’s Board and staff have recently crafted a new vision statement:
A world where every student has an unobstructed path to access computer science education and pursue fulfilling careers in technology.
The ‘unobstructed path’ phrase is particularly important. Computer science skills are critical to succeed in today’s economy, but too many students – especially those from diverse backgrounds and experiences – are excluded from computer science. Not enough students in Dallas ISD have the opportunity to learn computer science skills - and it’s setting them behind.
Many obstacles block access to computer science education for students in historically underserved communities. They include:
School constraints. Students may attend a school that doesn’t have the budget to offer computer science courses or provide qualified and trained teachers.
Technology access. They may lack access to a computer or broadband Internet access at home.
Geographic and financial barriers. Many out-of-school coding activities exist but they are located in regions of north Texas that are far out of reach for students in the southern sector of Dallas - plus, they’re far too expensive.
Adult support. They could also lack the adult support, mentors, and technology role models.
Bold Idea is committed to removing the barriers that prevent many students in Dallas from accessing this valuable learning. We will continue to address this opportunity gap in the coming years by expanding access to computer science in under-resourced communities.
Our ideaSpark Coding Clubs program closes the opportunity gap for students in Dallas. In operation for seven years, the program combines hands-on learning in computer science with mentoring from industry professionals. We remove the financial barriers that prevent students from taking advantage of out-of-school opportunities to learn computer science skills, which are more accessible to students in high-income parts of north Texas. With virtual learning and by partnering with a student's school, we remove the geographic barrier to participation.
Together with our corporate and community partners, Bold Idea is breaking down every barrier, erasing every limitation, and creating a level playing field that empowers all young minds to embrace the transformative power of an education in computer science. We are dedicated to fostering a world where the doors to computer science education and tech careers swing open wide for every student, paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative tomorrow.
Bold Idea Selects Two North Texas Students for Its Inaugural Bold & Bright Award
We at Bold Idea have selected two north Texas students to receive its inaugural Bold & Bright Award - Elias Land of Adamson High School in Dallas and Jessica Obonna of Wylie High School in Wylie. The students will be recognized at Bold Idea’s Annual Celebration on June 14 at OrderMyGear in Dallas.
The new annual award recognizes outstanding Bold Idea students who have demonstrated advanced computer science skills, built creative coding projects, and have set goals to pursue careers and college fields of study in computer science. The recognition also highlights Bold Idea’s commitment to close the computer science opportunity gap for north Texas students. As the mastery of computer science becomes increasingly critical for college and career success, both girls and Black and Latinx students have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields and computer science classrooms.
“Supporting students like Elias and Jessica is one step in the right direction towards addressing these issues,” said Robyn Brown, Bold Idea CEO and Founder. “All students deserve the opportunity to learn computer science and create their bold ideas using technology. We believe this award will provide opportunities these students need to succeed in their future computer science endeavors.”
The students, both rising high school seniors, have participated in Bold Idea’s ideaSpark Coding Clubs program since middle school and have their sights set on careers in technology.
“My goal is to one day use the skills I’ve learned through my Bold Idea journey and as I progress through computer science to make a positive impact,” said Jessica Obonna. “I’d like to be more independent with my projects next year and start to advance my knowledge of coding. I would also like to narrow down my job search and truly figure out what path I want to take with computer science and start to work towards that goal at full speed.”
“My dream job is to work for law enforcement, possibly even the FBI, as a cybersecurity agent/analyst,” said Elias Land. “Next year, if possible, I would like to develop coding skills that will develop me in my future journey to learn cybersecurity. If not, then I would love to learn how I can take the web design skills that I already have to the next level.”
Award benefits:
As Bold & Bright Award recipients, the students will receive further college and career readiness opportunities. They include:
Personalized, 1:1 mentoring their senior year of high school to give additional coding skill development and assist with college readiness
A trip to NASA to job shadow an engineer in summer 2023
A letter of recommendation for their college applications
A summer 2024 internship with a local tech company upon the completion of their senior year of high school
The 2023 Bold & Bright Award is sponsored by Roderick and Jill Burns of Dallas and IF/THEN®, an initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies. IF/THEN® is a national initiative designed to activate a culture shift among young girls to open their eyes to STEM careers.
The Annual Celebration is open to the public and tickets may be reserved HERE
Demo Day 2023
Demo Day is an event Bold Idea holds annually to showcase student projects with family, mentors, and community members. While participating in Demo Day events, Bold Idea students build public speaking and communication skills through presenting their projects to the public. Afterwards, all students earn the Demo Day badge in their course and a certificate of achievement.
-Lorene Sugars- Bold Idea Program Manager
Our Annual Demo Day took place May 20th at W. H. Adamson High school. Our students presented their projects which varied from websites to fully functional online games. We want to thank all of our Bold Idea parents and volunteers for coming to support our students in their coding journey. Below are links to some of our student projects that were presented.
Student Participants
Rory -All About Games
Elizabeth - Space Fighter
Stina - Space Shooter
Andrea - Portfolio
Dyanne - Dream Cookies
Levi - Cat Scratch Game
Homero - A Complete Guide to Doors
Jaxon - Retro Bear Game
Solomon - The Quest of the Seven
D'Avignon - Space Maze
Alaya - Travel Site
Diego - Guitar Riffs
We are so proud of our student’s accomplishments and cannot wait to see what they have in store for us next year. If you would like to enroll your child into our summer camps and have an opportunity to participate in a future Demo Day Register Here.
-Special thanks to Central Market for their sponsorship.
Mentor Spotlight: February 2023
How did you find out about Bold Idea?
During my freshman year of college, I attended a Bold Idea seminar hosted by Lorene Sugars, where she discussed the organization’s mission and the impact it has made on its community. I was amazed to know that Bold Idea worked with the middle school I went to back in Oak Cliff! I wished I had those resources and guidance when I attended Rosemont Upper Middle School, and I knew in that moment that I had to give back to my community when I found the opportunity in doing so.
2.) Why did you sign up to be a mentor?
I am a Computer Science senior with a minor in Non-Profit Leadership Studies. Since the beginning of college, I knew I wanted to do something rewarding with my career path. I wanted to give mentoring a try through Bold Idea as it connected two of my concentrations, knowledge in computer science and non-profit organizations, and applied it to my own community in Dallas. After my first virtual session with two middle school students in 2021, I fell in love with the mentorship aspect of the program, and it made me realize that teaching/mentoring was a passion that I never knew about until I gave Bold Idea a try. Now, after more than a year of volunteering with Bold Idea, I have changed my career trajectory towards teaching computer science in the near future, and I am now a 2023 Corps Member for Teach For America! If it weren’t for my experience with Bold Idea, I would not be where I am right now, I am truly thankful for the experience and leadership skills I have gained through this organization.
3.) What is your favorite part of being a Bold Idea mentor?
My favorite part of being a Bold Idea mentor is the bond that can be created with the students and the impact that can be made through the guidance provided to the students. Although I only see my students for two hours every week, a lot of material is covered for their chosen introductory course, such as website design or game development. And when they follow along with the lessons or seek your assistance in a concept they are stuck on, it is truly a rewarding experience to help them understand the world of computer science and technology. You get to connect with these students at a deeper level and allow them to feel comfortable with the material through the mentorship that Bold Idea has created.
4.) What impact have you noticed coding clubs have had on the students in our program?
Many of these students come from schools that do not offer technological courses or computer science resources for them to know if they’d be interested in that field. Through Bold Idea’s after-school program, kids are offered the opportunity to learn coding and website design while an industry professional assists them through the entire process, if needed. Because of this, the biggest impact I’ve seen Bold Idea have on their students is the growing passion towards computer science – they’re eager to code, design, and create something on their own that they couldn’t do before joining Bold Idea’s classes. And since Bold Idea makes it so easy for them to start coding without previous knowledge, they continue to come back and enhance their skillsets even more!
5.) Why should other people sign up to mentor Bold Idea students?
Bold Idea makes it easy for individuals to volunteer through various after-school clubs, both in-person and virtually! Most clubs are also within the two-hour range every week, allowing their volunteers to properly fit the organization within their busy schedule. If you are interested in helping kids achieve their fullest potential, Bold Idea is the right fit for you. And if you have little to no knowledge with coding, Bold Idea gives you enough resources to catch up with the students and assist then whenever it is needed!
6.) Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience as a Bold Idea mentor?
Funny enough, I had no experience in developing websites as my main focus in college was C++. Before I started my first session with my students, I went through the guide that I would be helping them with, taking the course on my own, and learning HTML and CSS. I did not realize it was such a great experience to develop websites, that I was even more eager to help my students even more! So, to anyone who is interested in volunteering but is afraid they won’t be able to be a big help to these students, do not worry! Volunteering for this organization has not been difficult at all – rather, it has been rewarding and even beneficial as a volunteer.
Student Stories : Meet the Perry Siblings!
Our IdeaSpark Coding Clubs have become a family tradition for the four students in the Perry family. Bold Idea has become an essential aspect of their education – one they are able to receive thanks to our financial aid and laptop donation programs. They each shared why they enjoy what they are learning in Bold Idea, as well as how it will help them pursue their future goals.
Christian Perry, a 10th grader in our Kepler Coding Club, has been coding for about six years, but joined Bold Idea in the summer of 2022. Bold Idea gives him the opportunity to work on developing his coding skills in a challenging yet low-risk environment. He loves that he can work independently and ask specific questions to his mentors if he gets stuck or doesn't understand one of the concepts. He has a fairly strong foundation in coding, and he is building upon those foundational skills as he learns new skills. He is currently in the engineering pathway at his high school, and is looking forward to pursuing a career in it.
Solomon Perry, a 7th grader in Perseverance Coding Club, began coding in Bold Idea’s summer Coding Camps in 2022. He says, "I really enjoy coding. My favorite parts are creating things true or false and making things connect." Since joining Bold Idea’s programs, he has learned how to make and use functions, load images, and make icons react on screen to keyboard controls. His current creative project is a program with a spaceship, including upgrades, powerups, and asteroids. Bold Idea has inspired his entrepreneurial spirit; Solomon is in the process of starting his own business, using the skills he has learned so far to build a website for his startup.
Jaxon Perry, a 5th grader in Voyager Coding Club, also began coding in Bold Idea’s summer coding camps this year. He said, "Coding is really interesting and engaging. I like to work in small groups or one on one with the mentors. I'm creating a city with a bear on the loose. My program will guide the bear through the city back to safety!” As a young coder, he hopes to inspire his peers, saying, “I think other kids should explore coding to see if they will like it. I think they will like it, and they will learn new skills too."
The youngest of the Perry siblings, Emerson, a 3rd grader in Voyager Coding Club, has followed in her brothers’ footsteps this Fall. She said, "Coding is so much fun!" Her favorite project is called "It's Alive." She enjoyed the project because she got to create characters and bring them to life. She has enjoyed learning how to apply time limits in her code to control the speed of different actions-to make them speed up or go slowly. Emerson has really taken to coding, having watched her three older brothers participate in Bold Idea’s programs. Now that she has become a young coder, she is giving 100% of her effort to her projects.
We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Christian, Solomon, Jaxon, and Emerson!
Mentor Spotlight: Shaquille Taylor (Accenture Information Technology)
We are so grateful to all the incredible mentors that teach our students their coding skills during our camps. They all volunteer their own personal time to ensure that our students get the high quality coding knowledge that they deserve.
This summer we're highlighting one of our mentors, Shaquille Taylor, who is extremely dedicated to our students. In fact, she has volunteered over 30 hours of her time to teach the students in our IdeaSpark Coding Camps! Shaquille is a Software Engineer with Accenture. Check out our interview with her below:
Bold Idea (BI): Hi Shaquille! Let's get started with a fun fact. One fun fact about yourself is...?
Shaquille: My birthday is on Valentine's Day.
BI: How did you get involved with Bold Idea?
Shaquille: A colleague posted about it on LinkedIn and I love to code so I decided to share my time volunteering.
BI: What have you learned or gained from being a mentor?
Shaquille: I've learned valuable teaching/mentoring skills, like how to explain something to students of different ages in a way they understand and helping them work through problems on their own vs just giving the answer.
BI: What is your most memorable mentoring moment so far?
Shaquille: Watching the students open up. The students were hesitant to talk at first until I got them to engage more and ask more questions. I mentor two different groups of students (elementary age and middle/high school) and watching them gain understanding of the code and get excited about their projects is amazing.
BI: How did you become interested in technology and programming?
Shaquille: 4 years ago I was introduced to technology as a career option through a veterans non profit organization. Since then I've developed a passion for coding and also learning new tech skills.
BI: What did you study in college?
Shaquille: I'm enrolled in the Information Technology Administration program right now (Junior year) for my bachelor's degree with a concentration that combines Application Development and Cyber Security.
BI: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Shaquille: Building and designing websites, spending time with my daughter, binge watching tv shows.
BI: Is there anything you wish you could tell your younger self about coding?
Shaquille: Start early and practice often!
BI: What is it about Bold Idea's mission that really connects with you?
Shaquille: Introducing students to Computer Science and coding, regardless of income because I did not have that growing up and I wish I did. The students being introduced to these skills early sets them up to have careers in Computer Science. This allows students in underrepresented groups to have access to information technology in a way they probably would not have access. My niece is in one of the camps I mentor and she loves it.
Join us in thanking Shaquille for all that she does for Bold Idea!
Meet Elias - Future Computer Science Grad
Elias Land, a 10th-grade student W.H. Adamson High School in Dallas, has been part of Bold Idea’s Coding Clubs for five years. He also participates in the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) at Adamson.
We connected with Elias recently to understand what keeps him coming back to Bold Idea every year and his plans after high school.
Bold Idea: You joined Bold Idea in the 6th grade and now as a 10th grader, you’re still learning to code with Bold Idea each week. What has kept you involved?
Elias: I have always had a passion for computer science. Being able to be a part of Bold Idea allowed me to expand my knowledge about coding, and I kept coming back to do so. I guess the thing that kept me involved was the fact that I was looking forward to creating my own big project (which I am working on this year).
How has Bold Idea changed your confidence and where do you see myself after high school?
Bold Idea has taught me a lot about computer science. Because of it, I believe in myself a lot more about how I can create anything I can think of using HTML, CSS, etc. After high school, I see myself taking on an internship that involves computer science. I want to go to college and study to get a master's degree in computer science (or even get a doctorate for it). I am also interested in criminology and criminal justice, so I want to see if I can get degrees in both and maybe in the future, get a job that incorporates both.
What have you learned or gained from participating in Bold Idea?
Over the past five years that I have been with Bold Idea, I have learned the basic and some advanced skills of HTML, CSS, and a little bit of JavaScript.
What are you looking forward to the most in Coding Club next year?
If I am not able to finish everything that I want to create on my big project, I would want to work on it next year. But overall, I would also love to learn more skills and become advanced in HTML, CSS, and other coding languages if Bold Idea has any to offer.
What is the big project you are working on?
The project I am working on is the creative project, which is a part of the Coding Club. Since I have completed the guided practices and other intro lessons, I am now able to create my own creative project of my own choice. This year I am creating a website that is all about our solar system. So far, it's a great, fun experience.
Are you taking any computer programming or IT courses right now?
In P-TECH, I am also a high school student and a college student, so I am taking classes in Adamson and with Dallas College. There are two different pathways, and I chose Software Development (the other pathway is Networking). This year, I am taking college courses, one each school semester. This semester, I have been taking a fine arts course which is Music Appreciation. Next school semester, I am taking an Introduction to Sociology course. It really won't be until my junior and senior year, I am able to actually go to the college and take courses that actually involve computer science. Junior year, I will be taking a course called "Programming Logic and Design" and "Java Programming". Senior year, I will be taking a course called "Advanced Java Programming" and "Project Management Software".
How can Bold Idea make your learning experience even better?
If there are any internships or events that I could speak at with team members from Bold Idea, I would love to participate in them if I do get the chance. I want to be more involved with this program and maybe someday, come back and be a mentor for incoming students.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
All I want to say is that being in Bold Idea was probably the best decision I've ever made. I have learned a lot from this program and I am grateful for everyone I have met throughout the years and all the knowledge that has been taught to me. I will stay a part of Bold Idea for as long as I can, as a student and as a mentor or guest speaker, if Bold Idea would have me.
2021 Volunteers of The Year
Bold Idea is excited to announce its Volunteers of the Year for the 2020-2021 program year - Kris Fawcett and John Bianchini.
When deciding on the recipients of this award, we always consider the volunteers who were crucial to our success for the year. Kris and John have gone above and beyond in their contributions to Bold Idea not only this year but the past few years. Their passion for computer science education, care for students, advocacy for Bold Idea, and flexibility to make changes and adapt on the fly make them indispensable to Bold Idea.
Outstanding Mentors: Online and At School
Kris leading demo presentations for virtual students in ideaSpark
Kris Fawcett, a technology professional working at Cardinal Financial, has served as a Mentor and Team Captain with the ideaSpark Coding Clubs since 2018 - both at The Mix Coworking Space and Samuell Grand Community Center. This year, he mentored online for both the fall and spring semesters. Clocking in this year with 175 cumulative volunteer hours, Kris is one of Bold Idea’s longest-serving volunteers. Students and fellow mentors have always had good things to say about Kris. He has an ability to connect with students and help them solve problems and make sure that mentors and students are ready to learn every week.
“Kris is very patient and encouraging. In every session, he made it a priority to solve every issue and answer every question possible. Even when there were times where we were all confused, Kris was able to get us out of any sticky situation we’d find ourselves in one way or another!”
John (far right) at MB Henderson Demo Day event in 2019.
John Bianchini, an IT professional at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, is a Mentor and a Team Captain at our Margaret B Henderson Elementary and Greiner Middle School ideaSpark Coding Clubs in Dallas ISD. John has been working with Bold Idea since 2019 and has been a strong force for Henderson and Greiner’s Coding Clubs’ growth and Bold Idea’s continued relationship with the Federal Reserve Bank. John is dedicated to making sure that all students at Henderson are able to access Bold Idea’s programs and get the most out of the learning experience.
“He has always been there for the kids, supporting and understanding to all the needs of the students. I also have learned from him that sometimes there is a hidden treasure under a child and I was able to see many of the students shine. Some of the students I would not have imagined that they were able to do the work but the kids were engaged and eager to learn. He is the best!!!!!”
Not only do mentors and teachers appreciate John, so do the students! Many mentors have shared how much the students enjoy seeing John each week. When John stepped down from serving as the Team Captain at Henderson Elementary this year, our teacher liaison conveyed that he had to reassure all of the returning students that John would still be around, because they feared not seeing him again.
John and Kris represent the two program branches - in-school and open-enrollment Coding Clubs - where volunteer mentors help students discover and build skills in computer science. Whether they are online, at a local community center, or an after-school club at their school, Bold Idea students get the chance to learn with amazing mentors like Kris and John.
Above and Beyond
Both Kris and John go above and beyond their duties as Mentors or Team Captains, showing their passion for computer science education and being advocates for Bold Idea students.
This past spring, Kris showed true dedication to Bold Idea’s programs, offering to jump to other Clubs that needed extra mentors. Halfway through the spring semester, he willingly took on a mentoring role with another Club and was mentoring twice a week! Through all of this, he still maintained a positive attitude and built relationships with the students in each of his groups.
Kris also has a mind towards supporting Bold Idea’s mission beyond mentoring. Thanks to his advocacy, we received a large number of refurbished laptops. allowing us to start our Laptop Donation Program. During the 2020-2021 program year, 26% of open-enrollment students received a laptop that allowed them to participate in Bold Idea’s programs from home.
John has been a strong advocate for Bold Idea’s programs with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, recruiting mentors and making sure that each student has what they need to succeed. This spring when we added Greiner Middle School to the Bank’s school support, he worked as a mentor with each mentoring team to ensure that both Clubs ran smoothly.
John and Kris both are volunteers and mentors who have gone above and beyond in their mentorship roles to ensure that our students and our programs are successful. We are fortunate to have them on our team.
