Ed Tech Start-up Launches Code Initiative in a Bid to Empower Students and Make Coding More Mainstream

Knodemy, The Knowledge Academy, closes the gender gap and makes computer programming education accessible to younger students

knodemy, an early stage ed tech start-up, launched knodemy Code Academy today, an initiative focused on bringing coding to every student in America. Knodemy is an online tutoring platform that matches students to tutors from Ivy League schools, top universities and professional instructors from around the country, to provide concept based 1-1 virtually interactive tutoring lessons to students from Middle School and up. Students can schedule a tutoring session in any subject anytime of the day.

Based on the growing demand for computer science education, knodemy launched the beta version of Code camp in August 2014 to test the market. The week long beta camp was open to students by invitation only. Since then there have been 207 coding sessions delivered.“Based on the success of the beta camp we knew that we had to cater to the growing demand of students wanting to learn programming. We believe that every student should learn to code before they can join the workforce because not only does coding open many more options but also changes the way you think and problem solve,” said Rasim Bokhari, CEO and Founder knodemy. “With knodemy’s Code Academy students have a choice to have on-demand coding lessons based on their needs or join a curriculum based code camp. Our success relies on the success of our students, and that is why we want to empower them and train them for the future,” Rasim further added.

"Based on the success of the beta camp we knew that we had to cater to the growing demand of students wanting to learn programming. We believe that every student should learn to code before they can join the workforce because not only does coding open many more options but also changes the way you think and problem solve," said Rasim Bokhari, CEO and Founder knodemy. "With knodemy's Code Academy students have a choice to have on-demand coding lessons based on their needs or join a curriculum based code camp. Our success relies on the success of our students, and that is why we want to empower them and train them for the future," Rasim further added.

Rasim Bokhari, Founder & CEO

Knodemy’s built in whiteboard allows students to learn coding at any time of the day virtually from the comfort of their home or their dorm room. Using a code editor, both student and the instructor can write and debug the code in real time, allowing the student to see the results instantly. Code Academy offers three different programs for students:

  • One on One Coding: Students can learn any programming language based on their interest from knodemy’s professional programming instructors. It is recommended that students take at least 8 sessions to see progress and build a project. The customized, on-demand class, is a great option for students who are juggling school projects, test preps and extracurricular activities and have a passion for programming.

  • Code Camp: knodemy Code Camp is offered on a weekly basis for students interested in learning HTML5 and JavaScript. The camp can accommodate up to five students at a time. For any additional unused spots, camp is donated to a student from an underserved community sponsored by knodemy, through knodemy’s educateONE program

Students have an option to chose a scheduled camp or they can opt for a flex camp schedule by choosing the dates that work best for them. The flex camp schedule works best for a group of students who want to bring their friends and learn together. Students create projects while collaborating in a fun and engaging virtual environment.

  • Girls who Code: Girls who code offers girls from 6th – 12th grade an opportunity to learn basics of computer programming in a collaborative and interactive virtual environment giving them an opportunity to get comfortable with computer science education. The four week long program includes project based learning and allows students to build real world software in a fun environment.

“The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that by 2020 there will be more than 1.4 million computing related jobs. We want to close the gender gap and leave no girls behind. We want to make them comfortable with computer science education,” said Rasim. “One of the reasons that girls are reluctant to take coding lessons is because there are limited hands-on, interactive, project based learning opportunities available. Knodemy offers a collaborative and an interactive platform for the youth, who are already spending a great deal of time online,” Rasim added.

“My 8th grader was always interested in learning computer programming but it was hard to find a program that could fit his busy schedule. knodemy’s online code camp is a great opportunity for kids who really want to learn coding and advance their computer science skills,” said Imran Afzal, father of Musa Afzal, a beta student. “The instructor is great and provides a very hands-on experience, encouraging students to explore and get creative,” Imran added.

Knodemy Code Academy is open for enrollment now for all three initiatives; One on One Coding, Code Camp and Girls who Code. 

About knodemy: knodemy, The Knowledge Academy, is an online tutoring platform that offers virtual tutoring sessions dellivered by top tutors in any subject at any time of the day. By deploying a multi-step tutor screening process, knodemy ensures tutors have the proper domain expertise, are focused on teaching core concepts and fundamentals, and can accommodate online tutoring at convenient times. The fully functional whiteboard fosters interaction between tutors and students enabling them to communicate using video chat, text chat, drawing, uploading of files, and screen sharing. The end result sets students up for success using personalized, concept-based lessons.