Local Students Create Computer Apps

2015-05-04

Media Advisory For Immediate Release: May 4, 2015 Melbourne, FL Contact: Deborah Haar Clark Codecraft Lab PR Volunteer (321) 223-7045  ∙  deb@debclark.net

LOCAL STUDENTS CREATE COMPUTER APPS, COMPETE TO SEE WHICH MOST BENEFITS THE SPACE COAST

Four tech-savvy children are doing something many adults fear more than death—pitching ideas for computer apps they are creating to an audience that will publicly judge which one offers the most benefit to the Space Coast. All for a chance to win $100 and some ice cream. The Junior PitchSeries, taking place at 6 pm on May 8 during Friday Fest in downtown Melbourne, includes a Gemini Elementary boy who created an app of math games aimed at helping 5th graders enjoy learning. A team of two students—a Gemini Elementary school boy and a homeschooled high school boy— is building an online adventure game that requires users to learn computer coding to solve challenges. And a Hoover Middle School girl is creating commercial applications for the computer app that earned her first place in the Florida state science and engineering fair this year—an app that guides mentally disadvantaged adults in completing everyday tasks. Each contestant honed their ideas afterschool at Codecraft Lab, a local nonprofit created by two Beachside moms that offers children the opportunity to learn computer programming in a fun and interactive environment. Students learn to code in clubs at a growing number of local schools and at Codecraft Lab headquarters in the downtown Eau Gallie Arts District. Learn more about Codecraft Lab on their website www.codecraftlab.org ⎋. “We have a unique opportunity to empower kids as creators, and prepare them for a bright future in our technology driven world,” says Shannon Landin, Codecraft Lab co-founder and CEO. “No other area of study will open as many doors in the 21st century as computer science, regardless of a student’s ultimate field of study or occupation. Every successful corporation, and every start-up, has or desperately needs people with computer programming experience.” The Junior PitchSeries is hosted by Jaycon Systems as part of their final PitchChallenge event. The PitchChallenge is the last of four 60-second pitch competitions for local startups seeking funding, mentors, and free service opportunities. The winning pitch will receive $11,000 in awards, including a $1000 cash prize and free consulting from local leaders in innovation. The event also includes an interactive display of projects from Codecraft Lab ⎋ students, a Tesla Motors ⎋ showcase, a ‘Future of Brevard’ mural and some mindful tips to better scale a business at a Yoga for Entrepreneurs tent.   # # #  Download a pdf of the release here. ⎋