Commit2Code teaches underserved students in the Chicago area how to code for free. We partner with the libraries, schools, and community centers already serving their communities.
To bridge the access gap in computer science, by teaching students in underserved communities how to code and leverage their knowledge to solve issues they are passionate about.
Students write real Python code through games, challenges, and head-to-head competition. We teach the way kids actually want to learn.
Curriculum is taught in 12 week cohorts at our partner locations. Students learn through hands-on challenges, competitive games, and coding their own programs. Small classes ensure that students get feedback from their instructors and leave with their questions answered.
We don't ask students to come to us. We go to where they already are.
Three community partners. Three neighborhoods. One shared belief: every kid deserves access to the kind of education that quietly opens doors.
I am so grateful for the energy and passion Yesh brought to bringing Commit2Code into existence at the Library. He thoughtfully developed a 12 week lesson plan that encouraged exploration and creativity among the younger teens who participated. Over the course of the program, the attendees learned new skills in Python, while Yesh's creative lessons also fostered teamwork and project management abilities. Whether it was through direct feedback, participant surveys, mini quizzes, or a capstone project, Yesh sought out multiple ways to ensure that the teens were engaged and learning while also continually working to improve himself. These are impressive qualities for anyone, but they are truly remarkable for someone still in high school.
It has helped me in knowing how to work with others, knowing how projects can be like, and this course has let me review a lot of the things I forgot.
This course really helped me understand the basics of python and how everything actually worked. It was really fun and engaging, and I really enjoyed the partner projects.
A student who learned to code and went back to build the program he wishes he had
My name is Yesh Nagelli, and I am the founder of Commit2Code. Growing up, I was fascinated by technology and computer science, but felt overwhelmed learning how to code on my own. A formal computer science class was not offered to me until my freshman year of high school. From that class, I learned so much about computer science, and had so many opportunities to collaborate with others and create things we were passionate about. I wanted everyone to have access to the same opportunity I did, especially younger students who lacked structured STEM programs in their schools.
I founded Commit2Code and launched the first cohort in partnership with the Plainfield Public Library. Since then, Commit2Code has grown into an organization serving dozens of students across multiple communities
Outside of Commit2Code, I am a rising high school senior at Plainfield North High School where I have become deeply interested in data science and its potential to make education more equitable. I am currently working on developing machine learning models that can be used to identify high school dropouts, and recommend interventions to keep them in school.
I didn't just learn how to code. I learned how to problem solve and use my knowledge to create real impact. That is why learning to code is so valuable, and why every student deserves the opportunity to do so.
Two ways to make Commit2Code possible. Both of them matter.
If you are a high school or college student studying computer science, we would love to have you lead Commit2Code classes. We provide the material and support.
Run a community center, library, or school in the Chicago area. We would love to bring our program to your students. We handle the curriculum and instruction. All you provide is the space and laptops.