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With the generous $20,000 grant from AT&T, 30 of our local youth have embarked on the exciting journey of learning to code! We are over-the-moon and thrilled at the ripple effects a program of this caliber will have on the present and future of the children able to receive immersive training. It's one thing to have a lecture (which is valuable), it's a game changer to have interactive training by one of the gems of the valley and FIATM COO, David Layne's brother, Donnell Layne. Donnell Layne is a multi-hyphenated guru of all things tech related. He is the Director of Stem at Moreno Valley College, Engineer, Owner of TwinFlames and founder of non-profit, Bridging the Gap (to name a few of his accomplishments and endeavors). His mission to share the myriad of ways that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics) influences are lives is admirable. 
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The attendees are encouraged and challenged to not only show up, but to participate. Their ability to be afforded such a unique opportunity is precisely why we are here. I remember growing up and joining the computer club at my school. I learned our version of coding. Heck, we didn't even call it coding it was referred to as computer programming. I share this because we would file into the computer lab on our lunch break and learn how to program. We were 9 strong and I was the only girl! It warms my heart to see how things have changed for the better. At the time of this post, 5 classes have been successfully completed. 

Thank you to AT&T for your generous gift that made this possible for the students, the students (and their support system for getting them to the Coding Camp), David Layne for facilitating the moving parts to bring the Coding Camp to life, Donnell Layne for sharing his brilliance with the students and The Team at FIATM for implementing such a worthwhile skill set of training that will positively impact the attendees.

Until next week,

Jacqui Dobens

Questions? Email me: [email protected]