Blackbird School Offers Free Online Coding Lessons for Students & Instructors

During this unprecedented time, Technology Association of Oregon will be featuring the benefits and value that TAO member companies can provide to our greater community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jenny Gaddy of Blackbird School outlines how the coding program is providing resources for students and teachers alike during COVID-related school closures.

TAO Member Company: Blackbird School

Give us a short intro to your business:
Blackbird School provides step-by-step code learning lessons and curriculum for ages 11 and up. Our company exists to provide the learning necessary to increase diversity in the tech industry and provide access to economic opportunities to those being left behind without these fundamental skills.

What resources can your business offer the community during the COVID pandemic?:
We are offering Blackbird School free or pay-what-you-can during school closures. We have free weekly online tutorials with our instructors and info sessions on how you can become a coding teacher. We have partnered with Portland Public Schools to provide free accounts to all PPS students and teachers.

The Learning Sessions are scheduled for Wednesdays at 1 PM PT and Instructor Info Sessions are on Thursdays at 1 PM PT on Zoom.

What is the best way for the community to get in touch?:
Visit our website https://blackbird.school/ and email us at info@blackbird.school.

What's your favorite way to pass the time during self-quarantine?:
Taking walks and discovering movies. We just watched a movie from S. Korea called Extreme Job - really funny!

What's one thing that helps you stay positive or gives you hope during difficult times?:
Thinking about how brave and kind people are in the face of this difficult time. I feel inspired and overwhelmed with gratitude for our store cashier and the medical community and all the people working toward a vaccine.