By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Six Oro Valley parents pooled their own money to open a Code Ninjas franchise in their community, offering children ages 5–14 a place to learn coding and other skills outside of school.
Read more Coconino County forest thinning project targets 500 acres near Arizona Snowbowl
Students earn belts, build computer STEM skills
Students at the new location — called “ninjas” — earn belts ranging from white to black as they advance through the program. Monthly enrollment costs between $100 and $250, depending on the program.
Parent Tera Chapell said the program fills different needs for different students.
“For students who don’t have computers in every classroom, this is going to be a huge benefit for those kids,” Chapell said.
[You can watch full interviews for this story in the video player below.]
Her son Corbin attends a STEM-focused school but enrolled in Code Ninjas anyway to pursue his own interests. “By finding something he really enjoys, that is what helps keep him engaged longer,” Chapell said.
Beyond the screen
Owner Brittany Kevan said the lessons extend past coding.
“You learn how to problem solve, make new friends, work in teams, overcome something alone, ask for help,” Kevan said. “Learning how to fail and go beyond that is something most adults I know struggle with today.”
Read more Banner Health promises no disruption to baby deliveries in Casa Grande
Student Maeve said the social aspect has been a draw as well.
“Some of these people are really nice, so I become friends with them,” she said.
The Code Ninjas program is nationally accredited. The Oro Valley location is currently enrolling students.
Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app, which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more Tucson Now: A groundbreaking advancement in ALS coming from UofA
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.