INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y) is helping Harshman Middle School students code during “Hour of Code” during Computer Science Education Week from December 6-10.

It’s a national event that encourages students of all ages and from all schools to do an hour of coding.

The association says it has recruited more than 7,000 students across Indiana to participate.

Coding is computer programming, which is part of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

Professionals from local IT companies also spoke to students at Harshman College, including:

• DMI
• Dyknow
• Flexware Innovation, Inc.
• Ice Miller srl
• KAR Global
• Knowledge services
• Former National Bank
• Petalsnap
• Selling power
• Refine technologies
• Zylo

TPF4Y’s director of programs, Jamie Inskeep, said its goal is to introduce under-served students to opportunities for experiential learning in STEM.

“It is important for students to have access to STEM and to learn more about technology because they use technology on a daily basis. They use laptops, phones, tablets, they use them so they should know how it works, ”Inskeep said. “What’s more, most of the jobs these students are preparing for don’t even exist yet or the society is constantly changing and the technological space is constantly changing.”

TechPoint Foundation for Youth is also increasing access to STEM programs for girls and youth of color.

The group helps teachers meet science, math and computer standards in an innovative and engaging way.