Helping youth reach their full potential is a priority for United Way. CODEanagan is a barrier-free tech program for youth.
Through learning and mentorship on a wide range of tech related subjects delivered in a fun way, CODEanagan will ignite imagination and aspiration among a group of young people who wouldn’t typically believe they could pursue a future in tech.
Recent Workshops
Crack the Code – April 13 and 14
Introduction to Coding – Explore modern Web Programming, covering Front and Back-End concepts including HTML, CSS, JavaScript and NodeJS along with their practical applications.
IT Essentials – April 20 and 21
Explore the fundamentals of computers and internetworking and discover career skills needed for entry level IT jobs. Doing hands-on activities you will be introduced to topics such as network management, computer systems administration, and computer and internet security. Have fun while discovering how to configure a network and secure your home network from intruders!
“I really enjoyed CODEanagan because it was really fun learning how the internet works and how all kinds of technology works. I would like CODEanagan to continue to grow as a free program because it really helps provides access to information for youth like me to learn how the world around us works and how use that knowledge in the near future.”
– Nikolai Downer, CODEanagan participant, April 2021
The Challenge
The challenges for youth in the Okanagan are significant and contribute to under-representation
and challenges accessing the digital economy.
Our Goals
- To build confidence and aspiration among youth facing barriers to participation in the digital economy
- To develop the fundamental digital literacy skills needed to pursue a career in the tech sector
- To raise awareness of opportunities in the tech sector among excluded or disadvantaged groups
The Initiative
CODEanagan will provide any youth aged 16-22 access to range of opportunities designed to build confidence, awareness and skills, including:
- Coding and technology bootcamps
- Coaches from local tech businesses
- Access to further education
- Financial awards designed to support participation
This program focuses on young people all across the southern interior region.
Boot Camps
Each year, we host two sets of four technology workshops – or boot camps – in the Spring and Fall. Each boot camp comprises two three-hour sessions, taught by an accredited industry instructor. They provide an exciting taster, exposing participants to the reality of a career in tech, and raising aspirations to what’s possible. The four boot camps vary, but may include topics such as:
- 3D design & printing
- Android app development
- Audio engineering
- Blogs and wordpress
- Chatbot development
- Digital animation
- General coding
- Video game development
Coaches
After the boot camps, students will be matched with an industry coach to help them navigate the sector, providing insight into the tech industry, supporting job-readiness and creating networking opportunities.
Student Supports
Students in our target groups may experience financial barriers to participation in learning. Access to CODEanagan courses is free to the student. We will also establish student awards designed to help with the cost of living and items like transportation and meals.
CODEanagan Program Partners
CODEanagan is a unique partnership initiative coordinated by United Way. Our partners each play a specific role and bring considerable expertise and resources to the program.
- Okanagan College hosts some of the boot camps, provides expert instructors, and delivers some of the programs.
- Accelerate Okanagan provides the connection to the tech community and identifies coaches from tech businesses.
CODEanagan Corporate Partners
Thanks to the current corporate partners who’ve provided financial support through community investment grants or in-kind support.
- Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union
- RBC Royal Bank of Canada – RBC Future Launch
- Papa John’s Pizza
CODEanagan Previous Supporters
Thanks to the following community corporate partners who’ve provided financial support through community investment grants or in-kind support in the past, helping CODEanagan launch.
- Ogopogo Rotary Club of Kelowna
- TELUS Friendly Future Foundation
- Twirling Umbrellas – Techathlon creative campaign
CODEanagan Community Champions
Thanks to the following community champions for facilitating CODEanagan workshops in your community OR sharing the bootcamp info to enable students to take part.
| Organization | Region |
| Big Little Science Centre Kamloops | Kamloops |
| Canada Learning Code + CODE Mobile programs | Kelowna |
| Central Okanagan Public Schools | Kelowna |
| City of Revelstoke & Revelstoke Idea Factory | Revelstoke |
| Community Connections Society | Revelstoke |
| Kamloops Innovation Centre | Kamloops |
| KAST – Kootenay Association of Science & Technology | Nelson – Kootenays |
| Okanagan College Continuing Studies | All |
| Okanagan Regional Libraries | All |
| Okanagan Science Centre | Vernon |
| SAEDS (Salmon Arm Economic Development Society) & Innovation Centre | Salmon Arm |
| SD19 – Revelstoke | Revelstoke |
| SD23 – Central Okanagan Public Schools | Central Okanagan |
| SD 73 – Kamloops | Kamloops |
| Stoke Youth Network | Revelstoke |
| YMCA/Jump Start | Central Okanagan |
Additional Information
For more information, contact Jeanne Legua at 250-860-2356 or email: jeanne@unitedwaysibc.com
Latest News
United Way’s CODEanagan program helps youth with more than just technology skills
April 26, 2021 – Over the past two weeks, United Way Southern Interior BC (SIBC), in conjunction with community partners Accelerate Okanagan and Okanagan College, once again delivered CODEanagan bootcamps virtually to youth between 13-26 years
Local youth learn virtually through United Way’s CODEanagan program
February 18, 2021 (Kelowna) – Last week, United Way Southern Interior BC, in conjunction with partners Accelerate Okanagan and Okanagan College, presented the first of the 2021 CODEanagan bootcamps, as part of an ongoing tech education
RBC continues support for local youth through CODEanagan
Shown above (left to right): Jeremy Lugowy, Corporate Giving Manager/UWSIBC, Nicole Dalton, Community Manager/RBC, Alex Reid, Community Manager/Accelerate Okanagan, Ray Warren, VP Commercial Banking/RBC, Courtney Hesse, Regional VP/RBC, Helena Jordo, Program Coordinator/Okanagan College and Jude
RBC Future Launch continues support for CODEanagan and local youth
November 6, 2019 (Kelowna) – RBC Foundation continued their support to United Way this year presenting a cheque for $20,000 designated for CODEanagan, a barrier-free tech program for youth. The funding is part
The future is friendly for CODEanagan students thanks to TELUS
Shown Above: Shalyn Lisson-Smith (Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs), Jennifer Park (TELUS), Anne Kirkpatrick (TELUS Board), Sarah Anne Taylor (United Way SIBC), Piper Smiley (CODEanagan participant), Helena Jordo (Okanagan College), and Alex Goodhew (Accelerate Okanagan).
Ogopogo Rotary donates to CODEanagan
Thanks to Ogopogo Rotary for supporting CODEanagan with a $4000 donation! This donation will go towards the cost of running the CODEanagan bootcamps and help sustain the program for 2019 and beyond. More about CODEanagan