Art in Motion
"The workshop was an exciting, educational, and fun experience. I learned so much and met so many great wonderful educators. I never knew that incorporating robotics into visual arts was so much fun! The presenters and trainers were excellent and extremely helpful in helping those who may not have a strong CS background to get acquainted with the hardware and software. They provided a wealth of resources for us to create art. It was amazing." Ai Choo Ashe, Visual Arts Teacher, Bethel High School

Beauty & Joy of Computing
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to go to the Pathfinders Summer Professional Development in Bloomington Indiana to take the Beauty and Joy of Coding course. I had the opportunity and access to fellow instructors who took the course with me. We shared ideas in class, during meals, and at the living quarters. It was as if I was back in in college myself. The highlight for me was most definitely being able to hear and share personal experiences from fellow instructors from across the country. I especially like to hear about the successful strategies that highly efficient teachers are developing to work with their students. My students and my school will benefit greatly from the information I gained, and the strategies I learned to make coding more accessible to ALL my students who wish to take my course." Edwin Galan, Math Teacher, Los Angeles High School of the Arts

Bootstrap Data Science
"Pathfinders Summer Institute was held at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN from July 15, 2018 to July 20, 2018. The conference was organized by Infosys Foundation USA, Indiana University and Bootstrap Data Science Organization. The instructors were Emmanuel Schanzer and Ed Campos. I learned Pyret language for data science in this course. This language teaches how to analyze and visualize data by using coding in the web browser. There it eliminates the need to download anything on the computer. Learning of the language was challenging as it was a new experience to me. But now I am using it in my science classes such as Chemistry and Biology." Pradip Misra, 6^th Grade Science Teacher, Bagdad Middle School

Code.org Computer Science Principles
"The content (taught by Nextech) was amazing -- thorough, detailed, tons of resources -- and the people themselves (the facilitators and my fellow teachers). As a result of this conference I feel a REAL sense of community -- one that will last well beyond this week. Thank you for that." Patty Cushing, Teacher, Hammond Area Career Center

Coding as a Playground
"I had the privilege to attend a professional development learning experience for my kindergarten students to help integrate computer science (CS), computational thinking (CT) and robotics into the classroom with a playful developmentally appropriate approach. It has developed a pedagogical approach, called "Coding as a Playground", teaching strategies and materials to integrate programming with other areas of the early childhood curriculum, with a special focus on literacy, creative problem solving, arts and movement." Dionna Williams, Kindergarten Teacher, Burnet Elementary

Everyday Computing
"Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to attend the Pathfinders Summer Institute. I learned a lot about how to implement Computer Science technology into my classroom. This program has allowed me the opportunity to collaborate with other teachers, gain new skills, and make lessons that will benefit my students. Problem solving and STEM initiatives are leading the pathway of education and it is very helpful to be a part of a conference that supports teachers in fostering that growth within the classroom, through Computer Science." Sarah Brown, English as a Second Language Teacher for 1^st and 2^nd Grade, King Elementary

Exploring Computer Science
"The community building and networking amongst like-minded teachers. The discussions in class with the teachers and the facilitators was very useful and highly effective. Equity agenda is vitally important." Nathan Walker, Teacher, Raincross High School

Stanford’s Intro to Logic
"Thank you so much for sending me to Bloomington, Indiana for training to teach the course "Introduction to Logic." I was able to work with professionals from across the country to dig into the ideas of formal Boolean logic as a foundation for the course. We were able to engage in deep and critical thinking in a genuine way, and bring back our experiences developed together to our own classrooms. My students are enjoying the work they are doing with rigorous exercises in thinking and reasoning." Shelby Greene, 10^th Grade Math Teacher, Kohala High School

Junior Botball Challenge
"Imagine almost 40 elementary school teachers so excited to learn that they were skipping lunch or breaks. As students in Junior Botball at Pathfinders Summer Institute, we were so excited to learn everything presented to us. I have not been so excited to learn in a very long time. We opened our boxes and almost immediately were drawn into the world of robots and computers. This is where the future of our world is. My partner and I had so much fun as we thought of the different kids who we could reach with this type of event. I am so excited. The robots can come out to play when the Internet goes down at our school. While the students need a device, such as a Chrome Book or Kindle, access to the internet is not necessary." Ms. Helgeson, 4^th Grade Teacher, College Gate Elementary, Anchorage, AK

KCI Computer Science Crash Course
"Thank you very much for helping me to attend Infosys Pathfinders Summer Institute! I cannot express to you the importance of this experience for me. I will be teaching coding for the first time next year and lacked the confidence to believe that I was capable of effectively giving my students what they need. After interacting with my incredible instructors, and collaborating with teachers from all the over the country, my confidence level has increased. I now have focus and direction with which to enter into my new adventure! Thank you, Infosys Foundation USA for providing a one of a kind experience. Thank you, DonorsChoose for partnering with Infosys to bring this training to teachers!" Jana Cole, Teacher, Alexander Hamilton Elementary

Maker Educator Collective Bootcamp
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending me to this wonderful Bootcamp. I recently became a Library Media specialist and Makerspaces is becoming a huge part of this profession. I had never participated in one, led one or even seen one being done in real life. I went into this Bootcamp as a beginner and came out with so much knowledge it made my head spin. I am very excited to bring everything I've learned back to my students and getting them into a creative mode that hopefully will last all year. I will be starting small and working my way into developing a Makerspace curriculum for my students I can implement each year." Mrs. Law, Library Media Specialist, Regional School for Deaf & Blind

MIT App Inventor
"Thank you so much for allowing me to attend this workshop! Pathfinders Summer Institute was terrific! I was blown away by all the different technology opportunities I was able to explore. The class I attended was the MIT App Inventor. I was in a class with many excellent teachers from all over. We were able to bond, teach each other, and use each other as teaching resources. The MIT App instructor was superb! She was so helpful and provided us with lessons and help so we could take what she taught us back into the classroom. I am excited to use the activities and experiences I learned this year in my class with my gifted and talented students. Thank you again for supporting me in this endeavor of this most excellent professional development." Melissa Walker, Teacher, Dora Kimmons Junior High

Patricia Gair, Teacher, Cypress Lake High School
"The time spent at Pathfinders Summer Institute taking Mobile CSP was inspirational and empowering. I would never have had exposure to the advancement in computer science and making, curriculum and colleagues. I came away more convinced than ever that CS needs to be a part of every students' life. I am excited and ready to bring things back to my district, school and students. Thank you so much for this opportunity." Patricia Gair, Teacher, Cypress Lake High School

Paper Mechatronics
"It was thanks to your kindness that I was able to attend the Pathfinders Summer Institute in Bloomington, Indiana. I've never been to IU Bloomington, and I was swept away by the beauty of the campus. Not only that, but the treatment I received was above and beyond. The opportunity to attend a week-long training completely free of cost is something that rarely happens for teachers - typically we always have to supply our own funds. This was a wonderful chance to visit a place I'd never been, meet teachers I'd normally never get the chance to interact with, and learn something that was completely new. Paper Mechatronics involves creating mechanical, motor-powered sculptures out of recycled materials like paper and cardboard. My favorite part of this training was the fact that these materials are immediately accessible to my students, who often come from low income homes, and may have never had the opportunity to explore the art of engineering before this." Taylor Peters, Art Teacher, Altura Elementary

Project GUTS
"The Project GUTS course was very informative and hands-on. It has provided tools and lessons that are ready to implement in the classroom and that I now have the skillset to use. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and believe that it was logistically sound and extremely well organized. I also believe that the content of the sessions was meaningful and the facilitators were awesome. Having the conference at a University was also a great idea. I've enjoyed reliving some parts of the college lifestyle, which also placed in the mindset of learning. Thank you for everything. I look forward to implementing all that I have learned." Phylis Wilson, Albert Hall Middle School

Scratch Creative Computing for G3-8
"Thank you so much for funding my trip to Indiana University to learn Scratch computer coding. This was truly a life-changing event for me. I learned so much from taking this course, plus I also made new friends and was able to network with teachers from around the country. I wasn't sure that a music teacher would get a computer course funded, but you came through and I am able to teach in a whole new way now! From the first hour in class, our instructors had us coding and I was hooked. I didn't want to stop. My roommate had to practically drag me out of the classroom. By day 2, I was writing music using code, and that afternoon I began to create a music video. I could immediately see classroom applications for this program, because Scratch uses actually pitches and beats in the coding. I created an animated video that had several instruments and a vocalist, using music that I composed. This is a game changer for a music teacher. I can use technology that is relevant in my classroom; this technology will engage my students but also allow them to internalize rhythm and melody as well as allowing them to demonstrate mastery of the standards." Nancy Noel, Music Teacher, Clinton Elementary School

Tapestry Workshop
"Pathfinders Summer Institute was a valuable time of collaboration with fellow computer science teachers from around the country. In the Tapestry workshop, Luther Tychonievich, from the University of Virginia, provided some pertinent information and strategies for delivering computer science content to a group of diverse students. One of the most significant discussions during the week was about the interaction of white teachers and minority students in the computer science classroom. What about that multicultural dynamic impacts student learning? After some vulnerable personal revelations, and some real animated discussions, the end of the week provided some invaluable perspective and effective strategies to reach a diverse group of students. A sincere appreciation goes out to all who helped support this institute! Your generosity will have an impact well beyond the week at Pathfinders at Indiana University!" Tony Tyler, CS Teacher, Santiago High School

UTeach Computer Science
"This week has been the most amazing experience! I have learned so much at this conference. In fact, I learned more at the conference then I have my three years of teaching. I am grateful that I know have so much knowledge and an abundant amount of resources that I can take back from my computer science conference. The highlight of the event was creating a scratch project and having the opportunity to show off to my classmates. Because of UTeach I will have my classes mapped out for me with anchor videos, practice work, and tests. I will be utilizing scratch within my class to introduce them into coding and utilizing Processing so that in the 2nd year of my course students will be able to transition into java programming a lot easier. My students have not been exposed to this type of material and I know that I will have a way to relate it to them and get them excited to code!" Tyler Hebert, High School Teacher, Gateway Charter

Junior Botball Challenge
"Mere words seem inadequate to express my gratitude for this amazing opportunity. The Pathfinders Summer Institute provided me with a week-long learning opportunity that I would not have been able to attend without your donations. The course I attended, Junior Botball Challenge, was engaging, informative, and simply amazing! The instructors, Steve and Carol Goodgame from the KISS Institute, were fabulous and so helpful! They provided us with a solid working knowledge of the Botball curriculum and components while also encouraging us to collaborate, explore, and fail. We also received a Botball Kit to bring home with us (amazing!!!) in order to continue learning and growing. The entire Summer Institute provided its participants with a wealth of information, opportunities to collaborate with other educators and businesses, and inspiration. This invaluable opportunity will allow me to go back to my school and offer my students opportunities that they would have previously been unable to access. Thank you for your generosity, I am forever indebted." Elise Hembree, Teacher, W.A. Young Elementary School

Maker Educator Collective Bootcamp
"Thank you again for your generosity! After having such a wonderful experience at the Pathfinders Summer Institute, your kindness is appreciated even more! I chose to attend the Maker Educator Collective Bootcamp professional development session. During the week, I learned about "making", which is giving students the opportunity to make objects that solve a problem, demonstrate their learning, extend the content, display their creativity, etc. I also learned about incorporating computer science skills into my curriculum. For example, I learned about coding through using the website makecode.org and microbits, which are tiny programmable computers. A highlight of the event was creating projects that we presented to high school students that were at the university attending a STEM camp. The students interacted with our projects. Then, the students gave us feedback about our projects. It was great to "try out" our projects on students before we actually use them on our students. It was wonderful to see their faces as they figured out what to do! One specific example of something I learned that I can use in my classroom is paper circuits. Our fourth grade curriculum includes an electricity unit. I will incorporate an insulators/conductors activity that I created during the Pathfinders Institute into my classroom. It will help students learn about open/closed circuits and how to complete a circuit. I'm SO EXCITED to use everything that I learned from the Pathfinders Summer Institute! Thank you so much for funding this project, and providing me with an opportunity to expand my students' learning!" Annette Crothers, 4^th Grade Teacher, Samuel P. Langley Elementary School

Everyday Computing
"With your generosity, I was able to attend the most rewarding professional development so far in my academic career. The Pathfinders Institute's engaging and hands-on course titled: Everyday Computing taught me the basis of Coding and how to teach simple coding to my second grade ESL students. I was so intimidated at first because I knew very little about coding and the technology behind it, but now WOW! Not only did I learn about Scratch, a coding tool, I was able to meet teachers from other states who share in the idea of lifelong learning and giving their students the best. Again, it was a fantastic and inspiring week long of learning that I will cherish and want to be part of again. Thanks again for your donations and giving me the opportunity to be the best teacher I can be!" Pamela Ellis, 2^nd Grade Teacher, Grant Elementary

Scratch Creative Computing for G3-8
"I will forever be changed as an educator because of the Infosys Foundation USA Pathfinders Institute. I was grateful for all the best accommodations and provisions made for my travel and stay. The host university did their best to provide an optimal learning environment. I thought the Scratch trainers did an outstanding job providing content, practical experiences and appropriately prepared us to use what we learned. The evening programs were equally matched to show the application of our learning and to see how we can utilize the network of teachers and university professionals to help increase the learning capacity of Computer Science. I am hopeful and fully prepared to share my newly acquired skills thanks to the Infosys Foundation USA and Donors Choose. Thank you for choosing me to teach Computer Science Scratch programming with confidence and fidelity." Ericka Mabion, Teacher, Africa Centered Prep Elementary

Coding as a Playground
"Thank you so much for helping me attend "Coding as a Playground" at Pathfinders Summer Institute. It gave educators an opportunity to spend 5 days focusing on one topic. In my case, doctoral students from the Developmental Technologies (DevTech) at Tufts University taught 27 educators how to use KIBO robots and ScratchJr. Because we were learning from development education staff whose organization created KIBO and co-created ScratchJr., we learned how to use the technology with children and the educational principles behind each resource. The title of our session, Coding as a Playground, really said it all. We learned that students are engaged by their own curiosity and creativity. When we teach some fundamentals and then allow students to explore and try these technologies, wonderful things happen. For instance, once we learned all the different blocks and sensors for the KIBO, we were able to work with partners to create our own program for the KIBO to run. I can't wait to teach other educators how to do this with their students!" Kevin Rogers, Tech Coordinator/Digital Coach, Monroe County Community School Corporation

"I thought it would be too hard for me to understand how to do it, but it was so much fun and they made it easy to understand" 9th grade participant, Black History Month Youth Hack Day

"I did not know that gaming could be so much fun! I learned so much about the design behind creating a game and then creating the game."Jasmine, Hackathon Participant

"One of the student participants had some experience with robotics but was not very confident in her abilities. As we began to have the students work in teams on their robots, she began to realize she understood how to program and troubleshoot. Throughout the course of the day she became one of our "experts" and was able to help other teams troubleshoot their robots and help make them work. You could see her confidence grow throughout the day!" Tricia Berry, Director, Texas Girls Collaborative Project

"My son doesn’t get an opportunity in his school district to find out what he’s interested in, especially with something like technology. With an event like RobotCode specifically designed for autistic students, as a family we get to come and learn…" Sandra, parent of an autistic student

"We need more programs and classrooms like this #YesWeCode hackathon in our schools." Roderick Brown, Executive Director, Planning, Detroit Public Schools Community District

"The TKU teens were not only excited to meet real journalists and comedians who talked about the meaning of the news in the 21st century but it was thrilling to watch them use the ideas discussed to create ads, videos, memes and mash-ups with open source tools on the computer. The teens really benefitted from learning about an issue and then applying it to proble-solving using technology tools and computer science principles." Teacher at Tech Kids Unlimited’s "Fake News Hackathon"

"What I like about coding is that I actually get to be creative and build what I want to do." Carla Moran, 4^th grade, Fairmont Elementary

"With a grant from Infosys Foundation USA, we invited adult women in the Seattle area to attend our GDI Hackathon to learn more about software and coding… and 40 women showed up!" Corrine Warnshuis, Executive Director, Girl Develop It

"Five students recently attended a Game Hackathon at Digital Nest, supported by the Foundation. Interest was sparked in an intensive, accelerated CS degree program, due to students' exposure to college-aged volunteers helping with the Game Hackathon event. ALL FIVE students were accepted to this prestigious, elite CSin3 program at California State University Monterey Bay/Hartnell College that helps vulnerable youth pursue college degrees by shortening the time-to-degree-attainment and providing high levels of financial and academic support." Jacob Martinez, Founder, Executive Director, Digital Nest

"Hack the Hood exposed me to how many different companies are involved in tech, especially here in Oakland. It made me more aware of what was going on in my own backyard. One thing I learned from Hack the Hood is that I can create stuff too. I never really designed my own things before, or used my creativity in that way. It opened my mind to being able to follow more than one passion - to be an entrepreneur."Leo Martin, College Graduate, who sought additional education at Hack the Hood

"Resilient Coders partnered with the Foundation to offer “Hour of Code” at Boston’s Museum of Science working with hundreds of students and families to learn about coding."

Here is a video about the event

“I liked this CodeNow workshop because I am learning a lot about programming and time management with the 25-minute work and 5-minute break. I’m also learning a lot about Ruby and implementing that in my Java class…in my AP Computer Science class. Girls are very underrepresented in this computing field and that is one of the reasons that is driving me to learn code because I want to become a computer scientist and a business woman." Hanya, 17, Senior at Branham High School, San Jose, CA

“Technology is used everywhere and that’s why it’s useful to know how to code. It’s interesting for me to learn about the variables that make up a code. Just one error can cause a code to malfunction.”Halle K., age 12, GirlsWhoCode Club Member at Santa Clara Public Library

“I had lots of fun playing and struggling with this.” --Miriam “Doing code brightened my day.” –Dario “Before I didn’t know much about coding but I was amazed.” –Bunmi “…inspired me to not give up on what I want to do.” --Joanly Paul Cuffee Middle School students in coding classes led by IntraCity Geeks

125 students, with no prior or exposure to computer science, went from design concept to building a mobile app. Team Aluna presented their winning design. Post-event survey revealed 87% have a positive perception of studying CS; 62% want to pursue CS in college; 67% expressed in interest in a career in CS.

31 students from South East High School enrolled in a Code as a Second Language (CSL) Academy which encourages an entrepreneurial mindset aimed at the creation of mobile apps and website development.

“Logic is the study of everything, seeing how things work. From implication elimination to truth tables, we learned amazing things. Almost every day I use proofs that I learned to explain basic concepts of life. I absolutely love the logic puzzles that made us think in a different way that I've never thought before. Not only was it informative, it was the best two weeks of summer. I would gladly go back! ” Josh Singh, Logic Summer Camp student

"It’s cool that there are so many choices that you can use to make your robot do different things."--Brenna M., 5th grader, Cedar North Elementary & CMU's CREATE Lab

“Before ScriptEd, all I knew was that I had big dreams and I needed to know the skills to make them happen. Now I actually enjoy coding and don’t see it as nuisance but rather the most essential part of creating the apps or websites that I want to show the world.” Patricia Santana, ScriptEd participant & high school junior

“All of the students enjoyed the coding portion of the class. They loved creating their programs and discussing them with the class. The students also enjoyed building the bridges. It was amazing to see them draw various designs, discuss their designs and explain their projects to the teacher.”Chiara Perry, Director, PAUSD Special Ed

"The mobile maker carts have offered the students many opportunities to learn to solve a problem by collaborating, trying, failing, learning from why it did not work, improvising, and then recreating again." Ruchi Goyal, PTA President, Lucille M. Nixon Elementary School

"The work we've accomplished at Code.org wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Infosys Foundation USA. Thanks to their support, millions of students have been introduced to rigorous CS, and thousands of schools are changing curriculum to embrace this 21st century field." Hadi Partovi, Chief Executive Officer, Code.org

"Our biggest challenge has been supporting the implementation of student ideas generated in design lab. The Makerspace grant from Infosys Foundation USA was used to support the creation of our accelerator program, which we run out of our Design Realization Garage, or DRG. The funds were used to purchase materials and supplies needed to prototype the idea of an accelerator program. We have held four accelerator courses, which have helped students implement ideas from their design lab class. The accelerator program allowed students to see their ideas come to life, which helped students build creative confidence."Ken Montgomery, Principal, Design Tech High School

"I was really impressed with what my inaugural AP CSP class accomplished in the 2016-17 school year. Highland was one of 2,500 schools nationwide offering AP CSP and nationally over 45,000 students took the AP CSP end-of-course exam in May 2017. About 85% of my students went on to take the AP exam, and all earned a passing 3 score or higher. Many students have expressed their intent to study CS further in college. None of this is possible without support from Infosys Foundation USA whose generosity contributed greatly to the inaugural AP CSP class. Highland would not have been able to offer this class without the help of the Foundation so for that I really want to say thank you." Joseph Yavelak, Math and CS teacher, Highland School of Technology

"Taking on teaching CS again through Bootstrap has been very exciting to me and not overwhelming thanks to CSPdWeek. I am pleased to share that my high school plans to add a new CS course: AP CS Principles." Meg Clemens, Math and CS teacher, Hugh C. Williams High School

"I have a degree in CS and math, but I haven't programmed in about 12 years. We’re implementing a CS course at our high school, so I wanted to refresh and learn and all the updates and be able to teach new CS curriculum."Dion St. Lawrence, Math Teacher, Brooklyn High School for the Arts

"Trying to add a new field, such as CS, to an existing K-12 education system can be daunting. Wisely, states want to learn from what other states are doing, so gathering states to allow them to share insights and approaches is invaluable to moving the field forward. On behalf of the states involved, I want to thank Infosys Foundation USA for including a policy track in this year’s CrossRoads conference." Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer, Code.org

"Students participated in a unique hands-on activities that can be replicated and built upon by our staff to increase interest in computer science among our students." Jill Kessler, High School Counselor, Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School

“My students come in with an enthusiasm and an eagerness that is hard to match in other classes. They have learned how to create their own apps. My students go home and work ahead on the curriculum because they are so excited about it. They share their accomplishments with their classmates and their peers. With so many jobs of the future being related to computers and technology, my students have taken a giant leap ahead of other students their age. "Ms. Herring, CS Teacher, Cumberland County High School

“My students will inherit a world where technology is a skill set that is a necessity for success…They are excited to create Google Sideshows, make videos, record podcasts and songs, and edit essays through Google Docs without having to print multiple times. Technology has made it easier for students to acquire collaborative skill sets with their peers and classmates in and out of the classroom." Ms. Ruhlin, 9th grade teacher, St. Francis High School serving Lakota Sicangu Oyate tribe

“I do believe it will be empowering for my students---this Making Mobile Apps course will be a way to engage and interest many students in programming. I hope to draw more minorities into computer science with this course as is one of the goals of the Massachusetts Exploring Computer Science Partnership.” Mr. K, Revere High School

“In order to break the poverty cycle, students need real-world, marketable skills. Coding is the perfect solution to this problem. Computer coding is a professional skill with a high earning wage and high growth is projected for this job outlook. My students utilize computers and software daily in the classroom. By taking the next step of converting them from "computer users" to "coding creators," I can provide the springboard to launch them on the path to a successful career.” Ms. Cardwell, East Iberville High School

“Coding and computer programming is so exciting for my students. It's like they don't even know they are learning. They are enthusiastic about their progress and love help each other figure out tricky sequences and want to do their best.” Ms. Van Dorp, Indian Hills Elementary, “Highest Poverty” where 71% of the students receive free or reduced lunch.

The STEM program for 3rd and 5th graders of Hollis Innovation Academy will pilot the CREATE lab and tour their neighborhood, create a map telling local stories about human rights, and map local availability (and lack) of healthy foods. Hollis is in the heart of a significantly under-served Atlanta area (over 95% free and reduced lunch. $15K average annual family income).CREATE Lab from Carnegie Mellon

“Every student should be able to have access to a rich educational experience, and my personal mission is to give CS access to every type of student. All students want to engage, learn, and create. I believe giving them CS skills can open their minds to express themselves in ways they have never been given yet!” Mr. W. 11th grade teacher, AP Computer Science Principles