Profile

Our mission is to help students discover computer science through hands-on learning and mentoring by industry professionals, building critical thinking skills and equipping students to succeed in the careers of the future. Our students‚Äîequipped… Our mission is to help students discover computer science through hands-on learning and mentoring by industry professionals, building critical thinking skills and equipping students to succeed in the careers of the future. Our students‚Äîequipped with crucial interpersonal and technical skills‚Äîare better prepared for the careers of the digital future, can compete for higher paying jobs, and gain increased economic potential. We partner with Dallas ISD and north Texas companies to create more equitable access to computer science education and ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn computer science - no matter their race, ethnicity, age, family income, or zip code.
The ideaSpark Coding Club teaches 3rd to 12th grade students to create their bold ideas - from video games and mobile apps to websites and machine learning programs. They are supported by Bold Idea's community of 150+ mentors who work in technology roles at companies like Microsoft, Texas Capital Bank, State Farm, and Pariveda Solutions. To date, 650 students have participated in the Coding Clubs, and 82% of participants are students of color. Students participate in their Coding Club at their Dallas ISD or virtually from home. Our project-based curriculum lays out a pathway for students to participate in the program from elementary school through high school.
Our focus is providing girls, low-income and/or minority students a pathway to pursue careers requiring STEM skills in an inclusive learning environment that values student voice. This school year, Bold Idea established new Coding Clubs at Dallas ISD elementary and middle schools allowing more girls and students of color to access computer science learning and technology mentors via video conferencing software in their school computer lab. Thanks to corporate sponsors and other donor support, students participate at no cost.