July 19, 2024

Montgomery Can Code Enrolls 820 Students in its Sixth Year

For Immediate Release:
July 19, 2024

Contact: 
communications@thinkmoco.com

Montgomery County, Md. – Montgomery Can Code, a unique and innovative public-private partnership formed by Montgomery College, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation—in collaboration with Apple—is wrapping up a successful first week of this year’s summer camp program. The program offers middle school students in Montgomery County an exciting opportunity to learn computer coding.

“Montgomery Can Code exemplifies our county’s dedication to equipping students with vital skills for their futures,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This program immerses middle school students in computer coding, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for today’s digital landscape. That is why my team and I worked so hard to facilitate this collaboration with Montgomery College, MCPS, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation and Apple and we’re preparing our young residents to meet the growing demands of the tech industry. The experiences and knowledge gained from this camp will inspire many of our students to pursue careers in technology, strengthening the innovative spirit of Montgomery County. I hope to see this program continue to grow, expand and serve more students in years to come.”

This summer, 820 MCPS students are participating in the Montgomery Can Code camps. Three weeklong camps will be held, which kicked off on July 15, with in-person camps for the first two weeks and a virtual one for the final week. During the sessions, campers can apply their knowledge tackling real-world problems and fostering their problem-solving abilities. Students receive hands-on experience with Swift, Apple’s open-source, user-friendly programming language.

The engaging sessions of Montgomery Can Code are led by expert instructors trained in Swift code at Montgomery College’s ignITe Hub. Each student is provided with a loaner iPad and a Montgomery Can Code t-shirt. Upon completion of the camp, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion, recognizing their achievement and commitment to learning.

“Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation is proud to partner with Apple and other county entities on Montgomery Can Code, which we have done since its inception. It’s such an important program that helps to prepare our next generation and increases the talent pipeline in our county,” said Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Bill Tompkins. “The demand for highly skilled workers in fields such as cybersecurity, app development, gaming, life sciences and hospitality technology is growing in the local job market. This unique program provides access to tools and industry skills that will be in demand and broadly utilized for years to come.”

Students will showcase their app solutions in a Student App Showcase event, which will take place after the conclusion of the camps. This event offers a platform for students to present their innovative ideas to local business leaders, fostering interaction and adding a real-world element to their experience. By exposing students to coding at an early stage, the Montgomery Can Code program provides them with a valuable advantage for the future.

“The continued growth of Montgomery Can Code’s summer camps is a testament to the partnership between Montgomery County, MCPS, the private sector and the college as we look to chart the paths of our community with expert training in a booming IT field,” said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, president of Montgomery College. “This summer, in fact, the college has an MCC camp alum who is now a part-time faculty member teaching at the camp. Coding camps for middle school-aged students are crucial for inspiring the next generation of innovators. These camps not only teach valuable technical skills but also foster creativity and problem-solving abilities that are essential in our rapidly evolving world.”

Visit Montgomery Can Code for more information, including updates on future after-school camps. 

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ABOUT MONTGOMERY COLLEGE
Montgomery College is a public, open admissions community college with campuses in Germantown, Rockville and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, plus workforce development/continuing education centers and off-site programs throughout Montgomery County, Md. The College serves nearly 60,000 students a year, through both credit and noncredit programs, in more than 100 areas of study.

ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MCEDC)
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland, and is funded by the Montgomery County Government. Created in 2015, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to accelerate business development, attraction, retention and expansion in key industry sectors while advancing equitable and inclusive economic growth.

ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Montgomery County, Maryland, is the largest county in the state of Maryland with over 1.1 million residents. Bordering the District of Columbia, and directly across the Potomac River from Northern Virginia, Montgomery County is the home to 18 federal agencies including National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as well as the headquarters to over 700 companies. The county offers a unique ecosystem rich in talent, groundbreaking discoveries, and a vibrant community dedicated to sustainability and bold thinking. With 40% of residents speaking a language other than English and a third of the population born outside the U.S., Montgomery County embraces diversity. This inclusive environment fosters a rich tapestry of perspectives, providing an ideal location for businesses to thrive, innovate and flourish.