This week, WP Engine employees participated in a Lunch & Learn informational session focused on Code2College, an Austin, Texas-based non-profit organization making significant strides in the STEM education landscape.
The session, led by Code2College CEO and co-founder Matt Stephenson, included an overview of current volunteer opportunities available to employees (and anyone else who might be interested) and a call to action for those who wish to contribute to the organization’s efforts .
Code2College: A story of influence and growth
Since its inception in 2016, Code2College has focused on its mission to dramatically increase the number of minority and low-income students entering and excelling in undergraduate STEM studies and careers.
With more than 3,000 students served and an expansion into 20 communities across the US, including 15 different regions, the organization’s growth is nothing short of impressive.
WP Engine has been a proud partner of Code2College since 2018, hosting high school interns and logging the most volunteer hours at the organization’s most recent Diversity STEM Fair.
“Code2College is doing amazing work bringing more young people into STEM fields who might not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise,” said Tarsha McCormick, WP Engine’s VP, Diversity and Inclusion.
“We’re not only proud to partner with them in their efforts, but we’re also excited about all the great initiatives Code2College has on its roadmap for the year ahead and beyond.”
How WP Engine employees can make a difference
During the session, Stephenson presented several volunteer opportunities for WP Engine employees and others interested in contributing.
Each of the available roles is designed to fit a variety of schedules and interests.
Workshop Mentors
Volunteers can spend 1-3 hours per month helping high school students develop career skills, gain STEM career exposure, and navigate the college admissions process.
Last year’s STEM case competition with HEB, focused on a mobile app for children, is a prime example of the exciting projects mentors can be involved in.
Instructors for Afterschool Coding Sessions
Volunteers are encouraged to share their technical expertise by teaching coding to students in virtual sessions after school.
This hands-on curriculum conducted via Zoom allows students to apply their learning immediately through small projects.
Short-term Virtual Volunteering
For those with limited availability, Code2College also offers virtual events such as essay editing, resume review, and admissions essay review.
Technical Mentoring Opportunities
Another volunteer opportunity revolves around Code2College’s ambitious goal to support, develop and place 200 Black and Latina women in STEM roles by 2024.
This initiative aims to provide targeted mentoring and training, improving access to professional networks and promoting gender and racial equity in the tech ecosystem.
Upcoming Code2College events
The Lunch & Learn concluded with an overview of upcoming Code2College events including:
- Code2College IDEA Awards (Annual Volunteering Awards): Wednesday, January 31, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Atlassian (Austin).
- Black History STEM Open Mic Night: Thursday, February 22, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Eastside Tech Hub (Austin)
- Vision 2024 Summit: Women in Investing: Friday, March 22, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Atlassian (Austin).
Watch the Code2College blog for more information on upcoming events.
Look forward
The partnership between WP Engine and Code2College is more than just a collaboration. is an effort to create a more inclusive and diverse future in STEM.
Code2College’s journey is a beacon of hope and empowerment, and through partnerships like this one with WP Engine, the future looks brighter for minority and low-income students entering the world of STEM.
Learn more about Code2College hereand learn more about WP Engine’s volunteer efforts here.
