Ohio Code Scholar

Connecting underrepresented students to the technology and coding skills they need to compete in a global workforce – right where they are.

About the Program

The Ohio Code Scholar project connects young people, particularly underrepresented students, to technology and coding skills necessary to be competitive in a global workforce. Emerging from the desire to have these students afforded the same learning opportunities as those from more affluent school districts, the Ohio Code Scholar project establishes a framework to bring this important skill training in a fun and engaging manner while meeting schools where they are in terms of resources, aptitudes, and interest.

The program launched in 2022 through its leading champion, then Representative and now Senator of Ohio's 17th District, Mr. Shane Wilkin, and funding was approved by the 134th General Assembly. Teaming up with Southern State Community College faculty member Dr. Joshua Montgomery, and Vice President of Enrollment and Workforce Innovation Amy McClellan, the program has expanded from partnering with a few schools and reaching a couple hundred students to partnering with thirteen schools across the region and reaching more than 700 students.

Annually in May, Southern State hosts an Ohio Code Scholar Showcase in which students can demonstrate the projects they have worked on throughout the school year. The Showcase is set up in a competitive format to incentivize students to master their skills. The projects, ranging from the STEM MiniDome and battle bots to the Wearable Droid, are common among all schools and the Showcase is a culmination of the coding and troubleshooting skills the students have learned throughout the year. Every student is celebrated during this event.

For more information complete the Contact Form below or email OhioCodeScholar@sscc.edu.