Prodigy Program
Spring Classes start MONDAY, FEB 5.
The Prodigy Program is our free flagship after-school computer science education program designed to bring advanced technology skills to middle and high school Baltimore youth.
Participants have the opportunity to learn topics like Web Development, Game Development, Python, Data Science, 3D Printing and CyberSecurity while working on projects with industry professionals that benefit our city and community. Course for Spring 2024 are listed below.
Courses are free for participants. No prior computing experience is needed for Intro-level classes.
This is a semester-based program offered in-person at our office ( 21 E North Ave, 2nd floor) on weekday afternoons from 4-6pm with FREE snacks 3:30-4pm.
Each course meets twice a week: Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday for 14 weeks.
Want to learn more about our Prodigy Program?
Check out the students’ work from our SPRING 2023 SHOWCASE!
Join us for our Spring Open House & Orientation on January 25, 4pm-6pm
Prodigy Program Spring 24 Courses
Computer Science Fundamentals (M, W)
Instructor: Brook Daba
If you are new to computer science and looking to learn the ins-and-outs of how your favorite apps and websites work, this is the class for you! Recommended for students new to Code in the Schools, CS Fundamentals puts the FUN in tech. Explore the foundations of programming such as data structures, control statements through hands-on projects in Python, C#, and JavaScript.
Final Course Project: Digital Art with Python, Game Module with Unity/C# or Website Portfolio with JavaScript
Coding with Minecraft (M, W)
Instructor: David Gatewood
Learn fundamental coding skills by using a block-based Java programming language in Minecraft. This course will teach you how to create your own mods in Minecraft to unleash a whole new gaming experience. Whether you are new to Minecraft or a pro, learn how to level-up your computer science skills using both digital and unplugged activities that will prepare you for more advanced classes in video game development or computer science.
Final Course Project: Mods in Minecraft
Intro Cyber Security, Part 2 (M, W)
Gain a real-world understanding of modern cyber security through this hands-on course. You will gain experience in breaching a server, encrypting and decrypting sensitive information through gamified, competitive learning. You can also work toward gaining a certification in cyber security with ISC2 by completing this course.
Final Course Project: Certificate in Cyber Security
Intro to Unity Game Development (M, W)
Instructor: Jacob Ferragamo
Learn the basics of the software professionals use to create your own video game. In 14 weeks, you will learn how to conceptualize, scope and produce a video game, while learning a wide range of skills. For your final product, you in a team of students will have to put together your skills in coding, animation, storytelling, and audio engineering to take a game from idea to production. This course is best suited for students with little to no experience in Unity, looking to learn the software or further develop a previous project.
Final Course Project: Playable game in Unity
Intro to Machine Learning with Python (T, Th)
Instructor: Brook Daba
If you are interested in learning more about the science behind artificial intelligence, this is the class for you. Whether you are new to programming or have several languages under your belt, this course will teach you how to leverage skills in Python programming to learn about machine learning, data visualization and predictive modeling. You'll master model training and evaluation, delve into advanced topics like logistic regression, classification models and explore the world of supervised learning. This course will help more advanced students develop new projects for your portfolio, or introduce new students to newly advancing technologies.
Final Course Project: Python Projects for your Portfolio
Designing in 3D (T, Th)
Instructor: Darius McCoy
Solve real-world problems and learn how to turn your solution from an idea to a 3D prototype in this course. As an extension to our 3D Printing & Design course, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Design Thinking Process and learn how engineers and designers solve problems and bring your favorite products and apps to life. In this course you will gain hands-on experience in designing and printing in 3D while learning and exploring new terminology like “iteration” and “additive manufacturing”.
Final Course Project: 3D Designed & Printed Prototypes
Advanced Game Development (T, Th)
Instructor: Jacob Ferragamo
For developers with previous experience in Unity, Unreal, Godot or other video game engines this course will allow you to take your game to the next level. Further develop your coding skills to dive further into game mechanics and UX/UI design to create a more advanced game as your final product. In Advanced Game Development, you will learn how to move from creating games, to marketing and promoting games in order to learn how to take future games to market.
Final Course Project: Complete, publishable video game