The Get Active Coding Challenge with Pro-Football Cornerback Jonathan Jones
We are delighted to announce that we are partnering with New England Patriots cornerback and two-time Super Bowl champion Jonathan Jones for our Get Active Coding Challenge during Hour of Code! Through this partnership, our mission is to make computer science more accessible and fun so that all students have the opportunity to learn to code.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Jonathan Jones for a national competition combining coding with active play that will reach hundreds of classrooms across the country,” said Bryanne Leeming, CEO and Founder of Unruly Studios. “By teaching kids to code through games they might play at recess, we’re breaking down stereotypes around computer science education and bringing joy into the classroom when it’s needed most.”
In December, schools across the US and Canada will be joining us for the Get Active Coding Challenge. This event includes Jonathan’s “Playbook” of games including Race In Place, Relay Races, and the Jonathan Jones Cornerback Challenge that allows for students at any coding level to participate.
“I want to create opportunities for more kids, including my daughter, to be exposed to lots of ideas and experiences at a young age so that they feel they belong anywhere, whether that’s in the classroom, on the football field, or in the boardroom,” said Jonathan Jones. “I’m partnering with Unruly Studios to help kids and teachers look at coding education differently and inspire them to give it a try.”
The Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation is offering a $20,000 scholarship to expand access to cross-curricular computer science education in K-8 schools. Three schools will receive a three year membership with Unruly Splats. The first school to receive the scholarship is Carrollton Upper Elementary in Carrollton, GA, Jonathan’s hometown. More schools will be selected in the New England area through an application process starting on December 6th.
“I'm excited that the Next Step Foundation has offered this opportunity to integrate coding education in such a fun way using Unruly Splats in our classrooms,” said Charles Young, STEM teacher at Carrollton Upper Elementary. “Mr. Jones has set a great example for our students on the importance of education and giving back to the community. This scholarship, starting with the Get Active Coding Challenge, will show that STEM learning doesn’t always happen in front of a computer. I can't wait to get started using them with our students."
Learn more about The Get Active Coding Challenge with professional football player Jonathan Jones here.
