STEAM:CODERS – Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Innovators

When Iria Taylor joined one of STEAM:CODERS’ first classes as a 5th grader in 2015, she was one of just two girls in the room. Today, she’s a nursing major at Howard University who returns to the program—not as a student, but as a paid instructor. Her presence is a powerful reminder to younger participants that women can excel in tech and beyond.

Founded in 2014 by Raymond Ealy, STEAM:CODERS is a Pasadena-based nonprofit with an ambitious goal: to expose one million students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) by the year 2045. The organization primarily serves K–12 students from Title I schools, and has already engaged over 60,000 young learners since its launch.

One factor that sets STEAM:CODERS apart is its commitment to small class sizes. Each session typically includes 15 to 20 students—far fewer than the average public school classroom—allowing for more personalized instruction. “When students raise their hands and need help, we want to make sure someone is there to guide them,” explains Ealy. “We don’t want anyone to fall behind.”

Students can explore everything from introductory coding and robotics to cybersecurity and digital design, all through hands-on activities that build both skills and self-assurance. The organization also partners with area colleges and universities to host many of its sessions on campus, introducing students to the idea of higher education early on.

In a region known for its tech-driven economy, STEAM:CODERS is working to ensure all students—regardless of background—have a chance to take part in that growth. They’re not just teaching technology skills; they’re nurturing future innovators and problem-solvers.

STEAM:CODERS inspires underrepresented and underserved K-12 students and their families through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM).

STEAM:CODERS, P.O. Box 90213, Pasadena, CA 91109-0213 (626) 509-8493, info@steamcoders.org, follow us on Social Media @steamcoders or visit https://steamcoders.org/.