CodeNext
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CodeNext
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CodeNext is a youth initiative teaching coding, engineering, and cybersecurity to elementary and middle school students, through hands-on projects they actually want to build.

Teaching kids to build technology, not just use it

  • Free & low-cost programs
  • Grades K–8
  • Project-based & mentor-led
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Our mission

Big ideas start small

We believe every kid should have the chance to understand the technology they use every day, not just use it. CodeNext makes computer science feel approachable and hands-on, whether a student is writing their first line of code or already has something they want to build. No prior experience needed.

  1. 01

    Curriculum designed specifically for ages 5–13, paced to keep curiosity high.

  2. 02

    Small groups and mentors so every student gets real attention.

  3. 03

    Every term ends with a project the student is proud to show off.

Impact

Two years in

CodeNext started in January 2025 as a small group of students teaching students. Since then, we have been growing and expanding our mission across a variety of places and communities.

  • 4

    Countries reached

  • 2

    Summer cohorts

    One each summer since launch

  • 50+

    Certificates awarded

  • 300+

    Students reached

From a Beginner session

What a lesson looks like

Live over video call, mentor-led, and hands-on from the first lesson. This one is from the Beginner pathway.

Beginner pathwayGrades K–5 · No experience needed

String Multiplying

print("*" * 5)    # *****
print("ab" * 3)   # ababab

Put it in a loop to make shapes.

for i in range(1, 6):
    print("*" * i)

Output:

*
**
***
****
*****

if Inside a Loop

You can put an if statement inside a loop. Notice the two levels of indentation.

for i in range(1, 11):
    if i % 2 == 0:
        print(i, "is even")
    else:
        print(i, "is odd")
Cohort 1 · Beginner · Lesson notesPython basics: string multiplying and a first if statement
main.py
  1. # Is each number odd or even?
  2. for i in range(1, 11):
  3. if i % 2 == 0:
  4. print(i, "is even")
  5. else:
  6. print(i, "is odd")

Output

  1. 1 is odd
  2. 2 is even
  3. 3 is odd
  4. 4 is even
  5. 5 is odd
  6. 6 is even
  7. 7 is odd
  8. 8 is even
  9. 9 is odd
  10. 10 is even

Code execution successful

Covered
  • for loops
  • if / else
  • the % operator
  • print()
Cohort 1 · Beginner · Live codingOdd or even, written together and run on the spot

What students learn

Six things every student leaves with

  1. 01

    Coding fundamentals

    Block coding first, then real Python. From if statements to loops, and learning logic along the way.

  2. 02

    Online safety & cyber basics

    Strong passwords, spotting scams and how the internet actually keeps information safe.

  3. 03

    Hands-on engineering

    Circuits, Arduino, and an introduction to robotics with coding.

  4. 04

    Problem solving

    Breaking big problems into small steps, and treating every bug as a clue.

  5. 05

    Creativity & design

    Open-ended projects where students have the flexibility to design their end creation.

  6. 06

    Confidence to keep learning

    We want kids to leave motivated to pursue their own projects and interests.

Student work

Projects

Every term ends with a project the student is proud to show off. Here are a few of them.

Explore the pathways

Pathways

Start where your student is

  1. 01BeginnerGrades K–5For younger students who are just getting started. We'll keep things simple and hands-on, using games and challenges to introduce coding without making it feel overwhelming.
  2. 02IntermediateGrades 5–8For students who already know the basics and are ready to go beyond block coding. They'll write real Python, solve problems, and start turning their own ideas into working programs.
  3. 03Engineering & ArduinoGrades 5–8For students who like to build things and want to see their code do something in the real world. They'll experiment with circuits, sensors, and Arduino projects while learning how hardware and software work together.
  4. 04Cybersecurity FoundationsGrades 5–8For students who are curious about what happens behind the scenes when we go online. They'll learn how to protect accounts, recognize common threats, and think about technology in a safe and responsible way.
  5. 05Project BuilderAll levelsFor students who already have something they want to make, whether it's an app, game, website, or something completely new. We'll help them turn that idea into a project they can actually build, test, and share.
See all five pathways

For parents

What your kid walks away with

Not just a certificate. A finished thing they made, and the habits that got them there.

  1. 01

    Confidence

    Finishing a real project (a game, an app, a robot) shows kids that hard work truly pays off.

  2. 02

    Problem solving

    Debugging teaches patience and logic, so kids learn that mistakes are just clues, not dead ends.

  3. 03

    Creativity

    Open-ended projects give kids a place to be creative and then make it a reality.

  4. 04

    Digital literacy

    Kids learn how technology actually works, and it helps them be thoughtful about it.

The team

Who's behind CodeNext

Meet the team

FAQ

Questions parents ask

01What ages and grades does CodeNext serve?

CodeNext is built specifically for elementary and middle school students, roughly ages 5 through 13, grades K through 8. Every pathway is paced and worded for these age groups.

02Does my child need any prior experience?

Not at all. The Beginner Pathway assumes zero experience and starts with playful, visual coding. Students move up only when they're ready to.

03What equipment do we need at home?

A laptop, desktop, or Chromebook with internet is all most pathways need. For engineering and Arduino, we use online simulations so no special hardware is required to begin.

04How much do programs cost?

As a youth initiative, we keep programs free or low-cost and offer scholarships so cost is never a barrier. Reach out and we'll find an option that works for your family.

05Can you run a program at our school or library?

Yes. Partnering with schools, libraries, and community centers is at the heart of what we do. Visit Get Involved to start a conversation about bringing CodeNext to your students.

06Is screen time and online safety handled responsibly?

Absolutely. Sessions are mentor-led, screen time is structured, and online safety is built into everything we teach.

Bring CodeNext to your students

Enroll a student, or reach out about running a program at your school, library, or community center.

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