You have been selected to receive our
Register for the CodewithCODE scholarship
To claim your scholarship please hit the ‘Apply’ button below and fill out all required fields. Once the form is submitted, you will receive an email shortly with instructions on how to book your classes.
What is CodewithCODE?
In July 2022, The C.O.D.E Initiative was awarded a grant from the BC Tech Association’s Digital Lift program. This funding has allowed us to create the CodewithCODE bursary program. Our aim is to increase access to inclusive coding education, by breaking down cost barriers for those with financial need. Close to 200 workshop bursaries will be distributed through our application process, allowing neurodivergent students to register in our courses at no cost to their families.
The grant is funded by a collection of companies committed to increasing employability skills, enabling individuals to break into the tech industry. The C.O.D.E Initiative firmly holds that diversification in the tech sector necessitates inclusion of neurodivergent individuals; a systemic change that begins with first empowering our neurodivergent children & youth.
With CodewithCODE neurodivergent students are able to take up to 3 classes (15 sessions) free of charge.
Who is elligeble to apply?
To qualify for for the scholarship student applicants must…
Reside in British Columbia (BC)
Be 6-17 years old
Be diagnosed or self-identify as neurodivergent
The codewithCODE program is open to children aged 6 to 17, who are diagnosed or self-identify as neurodivergent.
At this time our bursary applications are only open to those living in BC, Canada however we hope to expand this in the future.
You will need a laptop or computer (any build or year) that connects to the internet for our classes.
Although we encourage everyone to apply, priority will be given to those demonstrating financial need.
What do we mean by neurodivergent?
We mean students who have a diverse way of thinking, learning, socializing, or processing.
This includes students who identify as autistic or have lived experiences with ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Generalized Anxiety, or any other diverse needs or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
We also mean any student who would benefit from our 1:1 teaching.
What does CodewithCODE offer?
Free registration in our STEM & coding courses
Successful applicants will be awarded up to 3 courses at no cost. These are a total of 15 sessions (3 courses, 5 sessions each).
Students have the freedom to select from our 14 STEM & coding courses
Each course is 5 weeks long, with 1 class per week
Free advising session prior to registration
Ask any and all burning questions to our advisors
Your advisor will guide you through the courses offered & provide personalized recommendations for your student
Flexible scheduling
Classes integrate with your student’s lifestyle
Book class dates and times that are most convenient for you and your student
Personalized teaching, 1-on-1
Classes are taught in a 1:1 student-to-teacher ratio, face-to-face online
Teaching styles are adapted to each student’s unique strengths & needs
Curriculum is amended to integrate IEPs (Individualized Education Plan) where applicable
All teachers are trained by our special education specialists
Resilience & empowerment
Students cultivate resilience and confidence by overcoming appropriately tailored challenges
Learning through dynamic play
Guided by their teacher, students develop coding skills through games, creative projects, and playful interaction
Our classes are tailored not only to suit your students needs and strengths, but their interests as well
“Eliminating barriers to inclusive education today is vital to neurodivergent representation in tech tomorrow”
Application Process
Applications for the codewithCODE program will open on September 1, 2023 and can be found on this page. Bursaries will be awarded on a rolling basis; the application form will remain open until December 31, 2023 or until funding is exhausted. Priority acceptance will be given to those who demonstrate financial need.
The application consists of 4 sections:
Adult’s basic information
Student’s basic information
Demographic & self-declared financial background
Student’s personal statement (optional)
Respond to the prompt “What is your favorite activity?”
This is an optional portion of the application, meant as a chance for your student to express their interests creatively
Can be answered in any manner the student is comfortable expressing themselves in. For example, an image or video of…
A creation they made
PECS (picture exchange communication system)
The student doing their favorite activity
A verbal or textual response
Use of assistive tools are welcomed, as is adult assistance
We’ve submitted the application, what’s next?
Successful applicants will be contacted by email
Selected applicants will be prompted to schedule an advising session with a member of our consultation team. The advising session will guide you and your student in selecting a course that’s most suitable for them.
Students can register in their chosen courses at no cost under the bursary, and begin attending classes.
F.A.Q.
What does the CodewithCODE Scholarship award?
Successful applicants can expect to be granted up to 3 class (15 1-hour sessions) of their choice free of cost.
Which courses can I take?
If awarded the scholarship you may take any course of your choice. For more information about our courses please view course descriptions.
Can this scholarship be used for in-person workshops
Yes, the scholarship can be used for any course of your choice, in-person or virtual.
May I apply again once awarded the scholarship?
Those who were awarded the scholarship last year are more than welcome to apply again.
What do you mean by neurodivergent?
We mean students who have a diverse way of thinking, learning, socializing, or processing.
This includes students who identify as autistic or have lived experiences with ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Generalized Anxiety, or any other diverse needs or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Find out more about what we mean by neurodivergent here.
Funding for the Digital Lift program is sponsored by…
Funding for the Digital Lift program is sponsored by…
Questions about codewithCODE?
We’d love to answer them!
Please either fill out the following form or email us at info@thecodeinitiative.ca.