The power of programming is growing across many industries, giving aspiring professionals with computer science skills a competitive edge.

However, education systems in developing countries do not typically offer students the ability to learn to code.

Having had the opportunity to do so at a summer coding program for young women, university students Claire Howard and Gabriela Coada knew that bringing this knowledge to students in countries like Moldova would change their lives.

Coada is Howard and wanted to give young Moldovans in her home country access to technology education. By laying the groundwork of modern technology, the two will enable students to pursue tech industry opportunities.

In 2020, Howard and Coada received the Hunter Brooks Watson Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, which helped them develop Code++, a nonprofit organization that works to help students ages 10-17 in Moldova learn Python and basic computer science fundamentals.

The programs do not require applicants to have any prior experience and are designed for beginners. In the summer of 2022, Code++ launched its first immersive program, teaching participants to “code

for good”. The organization aims to not only empower the students with the technical skills but also the mindset to create a positive social impact with technology.