Bronx High School of Science Seniors Tackle the Digital Divide
In an age where technology drives nearly every industry, from finance and medicine to media and government, the ability to code is no longer optional—it is essential. Yet, in many parts of New York City, access to high-quality programming education remains scarce, particularly for underserved communities.
That gap did not go unnoticed by a group of determined Bronx students. Evan Yang, a senior at Bronx High School of Science, co-founded Code4NYC along with classmates during his sophomore year. What started as a modest idea among friends quickly transformed into a youth-powered movement that has now delivered more than 1,200 hours of free programming classes to over 120 students across the city.
The success of Code4NYC highlights two things: the pressing need for accessible STEM education and the ability of young leaders in the Bronx to step up and deliver solutions where institutions fall short.
The Origins of Code4NYC
Evan and his peers noticed something that many educators and policymakers often overlook: while New York City is home to some of the most advanced industries in the world, the pathways to enter those industries are often gated by cost and privilege.
Private coding bootcamps can charge thousands of dollars, and even introductory after-school programs may be out of reach for working-class families. Recognizing this inequity, the group decided to take matters into their own hands.
They launched Code4NYC, a student-run initiative with a simple but powerful mission: to make programming education free, accessible, and impactful for students throughout the five boroughs.
More Than Just Coding Lessons
From the very beginning, Code4NYC was designed to be more than a classroom. The founders wanted to create an environment where students felt encouraged, challenged, and inspired to use coding as a tool to solve real-world problems.
Classes are taught both virtually and in-person, allowing flexibility for students regardless of where they live or what their schedules look like. Lessons range from introductory programming and web development to more advanced projects, giving participants a chance to build confidence and practical skills.
For many students, this was their very first exposure to coding—a skill that could eventually open doors to high-paying careers in software development, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Partnerships That Expand Their Reach
Code4NYC’s mission gained strength not only through its students and volunteers but also through partnerships with established institutions. These collaborations allowed the program to reach beyond individual schools and into broader communities.
- WIN (Women In Need): As the largest provider of homeless shelters in New York City, WIN serves thousands of families who are often excluded from enrichment opportunities. Code4NYC worked with WIN to deliver workshops directly to children and teens living in shelters, giving them a rare chance to learn valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Queens Public Library: Libraries have long served as gateways to education, particularly for immigrant and working-class families. By teaming up with Queens Public Library, Code4NYC expanded its ability to host coding workshops and classes in spaces that are trusted, welcoming, and accessible.
These partnerships underscore an important truth: when young innovators align with community organizations, the potential for impact multiplies.
Inspiring a New Generation of Leaders
The story of Code4NYC is not just about coding. It is about youth leadership in action.
Too often, students are told that they must wait until adulthood to change the world. Evan and his peers rejected that notion. They recognized a problem, designed a solution, and executed it with professionalism that rivals established nonprofits.
Their work has already transformed the educational journeys of over 120 students, and if their trajectory continues, they could inspire thousands more in the coming years.
The Bronx has long been portrayed in national media through narrow and often negative stereotypes. Code4NYC flips that narrative on its head. It shows that the borough is also home to some of the nation’s most talented, ambitious, and socially conscious young people.
Meet the Code4NYC Team: Leaders, Directors, and Innovators
Code4NYC is powered by a diverse group of students from various schools across New York City, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the organization. Together, they are committed to making computer science education accessible to all.
Co-Founders:
- Evan Yang: Co-Founder & CEO, Senior at Bronx High School of Science. Evan leads the organization with a vision to democratize coding education.
- Gregory Wolf: Co-Founder & Chief Programs Officer, Senior at Bronx High School of Science. Gregory oversees the development and implementation of educational programs.
- Evonne Chen: Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Senior at Bronx High School of Science. Evonne manages outreach and communication strategies to expand the organization’s reach.
- Hamim Noor: Co-Founder & Chief Information Officer, Senior at Bronx High School of Science. Hamim handles the organization’s technical infrastructure and data management.
Directors:
- Saad Afeef: Director of Java, Senior at Bronx High School of Science. Saad leads Java programming instruction and curriculum development.
- Gowthami Venkiteela: Director of HTML & CSS, Sophomore at The Brooklyn Latin School. Gowthami focuses on web development education, teaching HTML and CSS.
- Keunyoung Ahn: Director of Python, Senior at Bronx High School of Science. Keunyoung specializes in Python programming, guiding students through coding projects.
This dedicated team collaborates to provide free, high-quality coding education to students across New York City, empowering the next generation of tech leaders.
Why Coding Matters in 2025 and Beyond
The importance of Code4NYC’s mission becomes even clearer when viewed against the backdrop of the modern economy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer and information technology are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, adding hundreds of thousands of new positions in the next decade. These jobs are not only abundant but also high-paying, with median salaries far above the national average.
Without initiatives like Code4NYC, many students in New York City—particularly those from underserved backgrounds—would risk being left out of this rapidly expanding sector. By democratizing access to coding education, these Bronx students are not just teaching syntax and logic; they are building pathways to financial stability, upward mobility, and generational change.
A Call to Action for the Community
Code4NYC proves what is possible when determined students rise to meet a challenge. But like any grassroots initiative, its future depends on community support. There are several ways readers can get involved:
- Students: If you are a middle school or high school student interested in learning to code, visit their website and sign up for upcoming classes.
- Parents: Share Code4NYC’s mission with your children, schools, and community groups to spread awareness.
- Organizations: Whether you run a library, after-school program, or nonprofit, consider partnering with Code4NYC to bring classes to your community.
- Supporters: Even spreading the word helps. Share their story on social media and let others know that free coding education is available in New York City.
Looking Ahead
Code4NYC is still young, but its momentum is undeniable. What began as an idea among high school sophomores has grown into a citywide force for educational equity. The program is not just preparing students to enter the world of coding—it is preparing them to shape it.
For Evan and his peers, the journey is just beginning. For New York City, their leadership offers a glimpse of a future where access to technology is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
Learn More
Readers can explore Code4NYC’s mission, classes, and partnership opportunities by visiting their official website Code4NYC.
The Bronx Daily proudly commends these young leaders for their vision, hard work, and commitment to giving back. They are not just coding—they are rewriting the future of education in New York City.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
