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Code Rising gives Alexandria students laptops after summer program

By James Cullum
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Code Rising gave dozens of Alexandria students a nice surprise with the end of their second annual summer camp this month — new laptops.

The Alexandria nonprofit was founded two years ago to help underprivileged kids learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The summer program provided elementary, middle and high school students with an introduction to STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) through the summer months, with students learning coding, making short movies and video games. They also went on weekly field trips,  including to Continues Arcade in Old Town and more.

“We are here to create opportunities for students who may be underestimated or excluded from STEAM opportunities in the city,” Code Rising CEO Michelle Millben said. “That means equipping them now with the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive in college and in tomorrow’s high-wage, high-growth careers.”

This year, Code Rising launched its high school pre-apprenticeship program with Casa Chirilagua and a Space of Her Own (SOHO). Each participant from the organizations received a $1,125 scholarship, professional development coaching, resume-building support, and mentorship. The students learned at three locations every day this summer, and at the end of their experience were awarded brand new computers. The high school kids got MacBooks and the elementary and middle schoolers received Chromebooks.

“The collective power of our community is what makes all of this possible,” Millben said of her donors. “Amazon’s partnership and their genuine care for our students makes so much of what we do possible. We really have the most generous neighbors in Alexandria. We are grateful for the consistent support of Dominion Energy, the generosity of our friends from ACT for Alexandria and donors from Spring2ACTion, and partners from the City of Alexandria, Titan Robotics, Grace Episcopal Church, Continues Arcade, Cafe Pizzaolio, and our loving community who power these efforts.”

Code Rising’s Fall program will start next month, with students participating after school and on weekends.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.