Help inner-city kids learn to code!
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I teach Computer Science (CS) at Synergy Quantum Academy – a high school located in south-central Los Angeles with 100% minority students with 98% of them being economically disadvantaged.
This campaign is dedicated to raising funds for prizes offered to students during various activities throughout the school year.
I became a high school teacher after 30 years of working in software development. I love to code and to solve problems with software. My passion is building all kinds of wonderful creations with zeros and ones that would be impossible otherwise.
I teach an introductory class in which students learn how to create their own games in SNAP and how to use the basics of Python. I also teach an AP CS A class in which students learn the Java programming language.
As a teacher, my goal is to give my students an opportunity to see how exciting programming and Computer Science can be. I want my students to experience the thrill of creating a program and seeing it work. I want them to learn how to solve interesting problems using software and proper algorithms, and to understand how technology and the digital world influence our daily lives.
As part of their experience, we watch interesting TED talks and then my students prepare and deliver their own TEDx talks on a variety of topics from technology (e.g. what is blockchain?) to social media impact on teenagers.
To motivate them, I organize various competitions during the school year:
- Quantum Programming Contest: students solve weekly challenging problems in Computer Science and programming
- Best Platform Game: students create a Mario-style game
- Best Final Project
- Best Student at each grade level
Last school year we offered Surface Go as a grand prize in the Programming Contest, and other prizes and monetary awards for other achievements. I believe they give my students an extra incentive to work harder and get more involved. I intend to continue this program next year and your donation will really help and make a difference.
100% of your contributions will go to the pool of money dedicated to the students.
(Please note that your donation is not tax deductible)
This campaign is dedicated to raising funds for prizes offered to students during various activities throughout the school year.
I became a high school teacher after 30 years of working in software development. I love to code and to solve problems with software. My passion is building all kinds of wonderful creations with zeros and ones that would be impossible otherwise.
I teach an introductory class in which students learn how to create their own games in SNAP and how to use the basics of Python. I also teach an AP CS A class in which students learn the Java programming language.
As a teacher, my goal is to give my students an opportunity to see how exciting programming and Computer Science can be. I want my students to experience the thrill of creating a program and seeing it work. I want them to learn how to solve interesting problems using software and proper algorithms, and to understand how technology and the digital world influence our daily lives.
As part of their experience, we watch interesting TED talks and then my students prepare and deliver their own TEDx talks on a variety of topics from technology (e.g. what is blockchain?) to social media impact on teenagers.
To motivate them, I organize various competitions during the school year:
- Quantum Programming Contest: students solve weekly challenging problems in Computer Science and programming
- Best Platform Game: students create a Mario-style game
- Best Final Project
- Best Student at each grade level
Last school year we offered Surface Go as a grand prize in the Programming Contest, and other prizes and monetary awards for other achievements. I believe they give my students an extra incentive to work harder and get more involved. I intend to continue this program next year and your donation will really help and make a difference.
100% of your contributions will go to the pool of money dedicated to the students.
(Please note that your donation is not tax deductible)
Organizer
Julius Gawlas
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA