Young coder excited about digital future

Last year, the then 15-year-old Aisha Stone started a journey with the JamCoders Summer Camp.

Little did the Immaculate Conception High School student know that a single social media flyer would serve as a catalyst for a life-changing experience.

"Whenever anyone asks me about my experience with JamCoders, I always tell them that it is not only a lot of fun, but extremely inspirational. This coding camp allows you to believe in yourself and not be afraid to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. JamCoders is also a great networking experience. You get to interact with lecturers from multiple Ivy League schools. These are some of the most brilliant minds in coding, and they have the ability to make everything relatable and easy to learn," she said.

Stone attributes her love for coding and personal growth to the hard work and dedication of the JamCoders team and its sponsors. With NCB Foundation now on board for the second staging of the coding camp, she is also looking forward to the new financial literacy component of the camp.

Under the leadership of recording artiste Jamar 'Chronixx' McNaughton and his team, JamCoders draws inspiration from the Addis Coder programme in Ethiopia, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey of discovery, growth, and innovation. With the support of renowned lecturers from multiple Ivy League schools, the camp offers an unparalleled experience that not only imparts coding skills, but also instils confidence and fosters a supportive network.

Although Stone's initial JamCoders experience began with apprehension and social anxiety, her interactions with the lecturers and teaching assistants helped her to quickly find her place.

A pivotal moment for her was when PhD student Orr Paradise from UC Berkeley told her that she could be anything she wanted to be.

"To this day, that resonates with me, and I will always remember it for the rest of my life," said Stone.

"I definitely see myself in a career in computer science and I am excited about a future in coding," Stone added.

At this year's camp, Stone has graduated from being a coding rookie to being a mentor. Drawing from her own experience, she will guide and support students throughout the summer camp, helping them overcome their challenges and fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

The JamCoders camp provides a platform for high-school students, currently between grades nine and 11, to delve into the world of algorithms and programming. Over four weeks, participants can explore the wonders of coding, and develop the necessary skills to participate in the field.

NCB Foundation contributed J$750,000 to support the 2023 staging of the JamCoders camp.

"We believe in empowering Jamaicans to create digital solutions that solve local and global problems, unlocking growth opportunities to expand our economy," said Thalia Lyn, chair of NCB Foundation.