Online tutorials are a low-barrier entry to learning code, but can feel isolating. Full-time code schools provide immersive experiences, but require large commitments of time and money. While many people know there are expanding opportunities in technology, adding new skills or changing careers can feel intimidating and risky, especially if they have never tried computer programming. People that identify with groups underrepresented in technology may also feel excluded or out of place in some programs. Hello Code is an inclusive and supportive experience for beginners wondering if computer programming is an opportunity they would like to further pursue.

Hello Code builds a community experience through a blended-learning program. Participants independently work through CodeSchool.com’s HTML and CSS modules and meet weekly for support and guidance from professional web developers. A free, month-long program allows participants to experience coding without a time-consuming or costly commitment. Whether they continue with coding or not, Hello Code provides attendees with a low-pressure learning opportunity. With sessions in June, July, and August of 2016, Hello Code is a pilot program that allows Do Space to continue to monitor the value of an in-depth coding initiative and potentially make it a permanent fixture.

We received 90 applicants for 30 spots for June 2016 and 118 applicants for an additional 30 spots in July. In applications, many people mentioned time and money as barriers to learning computer programming, even though new skills could help their small business, improve their chances of promotion, or launch a new career in technology. Two-thirds of our participants have been women and nearly 30 percent non-white/caucasian while a third of our selected participants did not possess a bachelor's degree. These numbers reflected our application pool and helped Hello Code build an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.