Tech for Teens offering free virtual instruction, taught by Hirschi student

Hirschi High School junior Ann James will teach Tech for Teen's free online course, giving back to her community by providing kids an outlet to learn more and explore their creativity through the world of coding.

James joined Tech for Teens in 2017, learning from the nonprofit's founder, Sonya Ganeshram, a Hirschi graduate now attending Harvard University.

"She did a wonderful job in teaching the classes," James said via email. "Since then, I have continued to learn how to code and was co-teacher for Tech for Teens in 2020."

The new semester begins Monday, and students can sign up and take the courses through techforteens.net. The nonprofit also has a Facebook page and email, thetechforteens@gmail.com.

James said teens who want to learn how to code should never be afraid of failing.

"Coding can become more complex as you start to learn more, but you should never quit," she said.

"Coding is an area where you can learn from your failures to improve as you continue. The whole thing is a puzzle, and sometimes you might realize that the missing piece is right in front of you," James said.

The Tech for Teens course offers detailed instructions in lessons covering the basics of computer programming, she said

Javascript is the code language that will be used, and it is very versatile, especially for younger students, James said.

"It will give students a chance to learn the language of code in a course that is filled with hands-on projects, fun challenges and infinite creativity," she said.

Ultimately, Tech for Teens students will learn how to program their own video games while taking the class, James said.

Ganeshram started Tech for Teens as an in-person nonprofit club, but the initiative went online because of COVID.

"This ensured the safety of those who were interested in learning code, and it also allowed more teens to discover our organization," James said.

Ganeshram, who was the 2020 valedictorian of Hirschi, still has a role in the nonprofit, helping organize its events.

"She has done a wonderful job building the foundation for this whole nonprofit and still contributes by offering assistance and ideas," James said.

James believes technology is the future.

"This organization is here now to help the new generation learn the language of code to apply into their own futures," she said. "The applications of code are unlimited, and Tech For Teens is a great place to start learning."

And as for her future, James is interested in the medical field and aspires to become a physician.

Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Tech for Teens offering free virtual learning