Urban Coders Guild Programs
Craftsmen
Empower
The Empower track is designed for students who are ready to take their learning to the next level. In this track, students deepen their skills through advanced projects, mentorship, and preparation for industry-recognized certifications. They may also earn scholarships or recognition based on their achievements. This track connects students to real career pathways and helps them build a strong foundation for success in college or the tech workforce.
Urban Coders Guild exists to close the equity gap in computer science by helping students from underrepresented communities build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive. Our three-track program model—Explore, Equip, and Empower—guides students through a learning journey that begins with curiosity and leads to real opportunity. In Explore, students try out coding through fun and engaging hands-on activities. In Equip, they build technical skills in areas like web development, game design, and cybersecurity. In Empower, students take on advanced projects, earn industry-recognized certifications, and prepare for success in college and future careers.
This learning pathway supports our larger mission to create a cradle-to-career tech talent pipeline that reflects Tulsa’s future. Our programs are free, inclusive, and designed to grow with each student. Whether they are just getting started or preparing to launch into the workforce, Urban Coders Guild helps students see themselves in tech and gives them the tools, support, and community to get there.
Web Development
Grades: 6–12
Track Alignment: Explore, Equip, Empower
Offered: Summer, Afterschool, and Special Programs
Students learn how to build modern websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while exploring how the internet works. Through hands-on projects, they create personal or group websites that reflect their voice and creativity. This course supports all three tracks, with introductory work in the Explore phase, skill-building and portfolio development in Equip, and opportunities for certifications and advanced applications in Empower.
Unity Game Development
Grades: 6–12
Track Alignment: Explore, Equip, Empower
Offered: Summer, Afterschool, and Special Programs
Using the Unity game engine and C#, students bring their game ideas to life. Beginners explore the basics of game design and logic, while returning students continue developing coding and design skills through interactive, playable games. Students build confidence in the Explore phase and progress toward more advanced object-oriented programming in Equip and Empower.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Grades: 9–12
Track Alignment: Explore, Equip, Empower
Offered: Summer, Afterschool, and Special Programs
This course introduces students to digital safety, ethical hacking, and real-world cyber threats. They explore topics such as phishing, secure passwords, encryption, and basic network security. Students engage in interactive simulations and team-based problem-solving. This course prepares students to explore cybersecurity careers and pursue certifications in advanced phases of the Equip and Empower tracks.
Intro to Python
Grades: 6–12
Track Alignment: Explore, Equip, Empower
Offered: Summer, Afterschool, and Special Programs
Python is one of the most popular languages in tech and education today. This course teaches students to write clean, efficient code through real-world problem-solving and creative challenges. Ideal for students new to coding, it builds strong foundations in logic and structure during the Explore phase, with opportunities to advance into complex projects and automation in Equip and Empower.
Program Track Context
Urban Coders Guild courses are intentionally designed to support students across all three program tracks—Explore, Equip, and Empower—so learners can grow over time.
Explore courses focus on sparking interest through hands-on experiences, especially during summer programming in July.
Equip courses help students build and apply new skills, offered both in summer and throughout the school year during afterschool programs.
Empower courses offer advanced content, portfolio-building, and certification preparation, often available through June bootcamps and special intensive programs.
Whether students are just getting started or ready for college and career, these courses create pathways for long-term growth in computer science.
The Equip track gives students the tools and support they need to build real skills in specific areas of technology. Through guided learning playlists and project-based classes, students dive into subjects like web development, game design, mobile apps, and cybersecurity. This track helps students develop confidence as they learn more advanced skills and begin to create a portfolio of work that shows what they can do.
Apprentice
Explore
The Explore track introduces students to the world of technology through hands-on, engaging experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. Whether it's building simple games, exploring how websites work, or meeting professionals in tech, students get the chance to discover new interests in a fun and low-pressure environment. This track is perfect for students who are new to coding and want to see what is possible before choosing a path to go deeper.
