Get Kids Into Coding & Entering STEM Fields With Codeverse's Katy Lynch! by Donna John

In today’s world, coding is as essential as math and science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be more than one million unfilled tech jobs by 2020. So how can parents get their kids interested in coding? Enter Katy Lynch. Katy is the co-founder of Codeverse, the world’s first fully interactive coding studio for kids, founded on the mission to teach a billion kids to code. Katy was our guest at this week's #30Seconds Twitter chat and discussed the importance of getting kids into coding now!

Q: First of all, where did you get the idea to start Codeverse?

The idea came from a film I saw called " CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap" while I was the CEO of  Techweek. The documentary deep dives into the lack of women and minorities in STEM, which is disheartening I wanted to solve this issue. So, Craig Ulliott and I decided to build a business that teaches kids the vital skill of coding in a fun, engaging way. In our interactive studio, kids build apps and games and control lights, speakers, and robots using real code that they write!

I am so proud that you took this on. As a mom to 2 girls and a son, I find most STEM related toys/activities are geared to boys. #30Seconds

— Kim Kusiciel (@KimKusiciel) October 5, 2017

A2-If we teach our kids everything they can learn about technology starting out very young there's no telling what they'll become #30seconds

— Stacey Freeland (@StaceyFreeland1) October 5, 2017

Q: Your mission is to “teach a billion kids to code.” Why coding? Why now?

Kids are growing up in the digital age. They are exposed to technology in a way that we never were when we were young. Technology is disrupting every industry. Knowing how to code is a huge asset, and important for kids to learn when they're young! By 2025, over one million tech jobs will go unfilled in U.S. We need to equip kids with the right tech skills to prepare them for the future. Plus, coding teaches children life skills outside of actual programming, like problem solving, creativity and independence.

Guess what! We now celebrate birthdays & special events at Codeverse. https://t.co/MwGL6JGa3A #birthday #kids #chicago 🎂🎁🎈 pic.twitter.com/56aNLaLIKG

— Codeverse (@codeverse) September 30, 2017

Q: Talk to us about the lack of women in STEM. How do we solve this?

There are a multitude of reasons for a lack of women in STEM: stereotypes, gender bias, lack of self-esteem, to name a few. We need to a better job highlighting role models and providing mentors and resources to girls who are interested in STEM. Get girls excited about STEM when they are young. Do research into local programs and organizations that supports them. Remember this: more women in STEM means more innovation. More innovation and progress leads to a better, safer world!

A3 for me, it was to expose my 14 dd to the #stem world. She really enjoyed "Girls who Code" book I gave her #30Seconds pic.twitter.com/b9UKJEnwU0

— 🍁🍂Jessi T. 🍂🍁 (@idatchica87) October 5, 2017

Q: What about kids that don’t end up in STEM fields. Should they still learn to code? Why or why not?

Yes! Learning to code isn’t limited to those who want to become engineers. It’s a powerful, useful skill to have in any job! Think about it: Your daughter wants to be the next Beyonce. She can use code to build a site, market herself and create music. Having an understanding of HOW technology actually works is extremely beneficial and can change lives in a positive way.

You, @thekatylynch are just the 1 to do it. You are an amazing role model. Think of what you did for the Girl Scouts of Chicago! #30Seconds https://t.co/3Ml3Lalyc8

— Kim Kusiciel (@KimKusiciel) October 5, 2017

Q: Let’s get real about entrepreneurship. What does it really take to be a business owner?

Entrepreneurship is life changing. It takes passion, perseverance, intellectual curiosity and a positive attitude to succeed. You have to be willing to work extremely hard, take risks, fail, learn from those failures and keep going. Entrepreneurs must understand every part of their business (sales, tech, product, etc.) not just the parts they're good at. And, you must pay attention to the numbers. If your startup isn’t generating revenue, it is just a hobby, not a business.

any entrepreneur will need it &any mgr will need to understand it. Its almost a 2nd language in High school now. I feel "behind" #30seconds

— Holly @Tweenspot (@tweenspot) October 5, 2017

Q: Are there blogs or websites you recommend for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Yes! Many. I’m a big fan of Mark Suster’s blog, “Both Sides of the Table.” He’s raw, he’s funny and super smart. I also love Jeff Jordan’s blog. He provides a lot of valuable insights about running a startup. Quora is another great resource to seek answers from entrepreneurs who have “been there, done that.” The truth is, though, the best way to learn is by doing. The hardest thing to do is start.

A3. FYI, a friend sent me this @melindagates post. It’s worth reading on this very topic: https://t.co/DSdlHTnXOK #womenintech #30seconds

— Katy Lynch (@thekatylynch) October 5, 2017

Q: This has been a very enriching discussion about kids, girls, women, coding, entrepreneurs, STEM and jobs! How can we learn more about you and Codeverse?

Thanks! You can learn more about Codeverse by going to Codeverse.com. (First class is free!)

The @codeverse classes are designed for 6-13 yr olds. We are based in Lincoln Park (w/ plans to expand nationwide) #30seconds #chicago

— Katy Lynch (@thekatylynch) October 5, 2017

Be sure to follow @thekatylynch and @codeverse, like Codeverse on Facebook, visit Codeverse.com and KatyLynch.com, and check out Katy’s 30Seconds page!

A7- I've learned so much thru Twitter parties @thekatylynch needs to keep pushing till @codeverse is mandatory class in schools #30seconds

— Stacey Freeland (@StaceyFreeland1) October 5, 2017