Eight years ago, Urban Coders Guild began with a bold idea: unlock tech opportunity for young people who have been shut out for too long. Our mission is simple yet ambitious. We provide computer science education, access, and opportunity to youth from historically underserved communities. Our vision is a Tulsa where education and workforce development form a true cradle-to-career pipeline, honoring the legacy of Historic Black Wall Street and preparing the next generation to lead in a rapidly changing tech economy.

Only 91 colleges in the U.S. truly serve low-income students as “Equity Engines.” Oklahoma has zero.

For Tulsa, a federally designated tech hub, that is a wake-up call. If traditional pathways are uneven, we must create new ones—credentials, internships, transfer pipelines, and cradle-to-career supports that ensure every student can thrive in tech.

At Urban Coders Guild, this is our mission. But we cannot do it alone. We need partners in government, higher ed, schools, and industry to help build equitable pathways for our students.

Read our full reflection on what this means for Tulsa’s future workforce.

#EquityInEducation #UrbanCodersGuild #TulsaTechHub #StudentSuccess

Tulsa is transforming into a national tech hub—but will Native students be part of the future we're building?

In this article, Urban Coders Guild explores the deep underrepresentation of Indigenous youth in tech and why that matters now more than ever. With Tulsa located on tribal land and at the center of major federal investment, Native inclusion is not just important—it is essential. Learn how Urban Coders Guild is helping close the gap through free, culturally responsive coding programs that prepare students to lead in a rapidly changing digital economy.

This summer marked the fourth consecutive year that the Urban Coders Guild (UCG) summer camp was held at the University of Tulsa (TU), thanks the our continued collaboration with our Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) program. This initiative has become a vital bridge for underrepresented youth, offering them access to cutting-edge technology that might otherwise be out of reach.

Urban Coders Guild is now accepting applications for our 2025–26 Afterschool Coding Programs, offered free to Tulsa-area middle and high school students. Courses include Python, Web Development, Unity Game Development, Mobile App Development, and Cybersecurity. These hands-on, project-based classes are designed to expand access to tech education and prepare students from historically underrepresented communities for college, careers, and leadership in Tulsa’s growing tech ecosystem.

Apply now at www.urbancodersguild.org/apply
Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

In the Loop: July 29, 2025
The 2025 Summer Coding Camp has officially wrapped, and we could not be prouder of our students. From Python projects and personal websites to game design and cybersecurity challenges, our students built real skills, explored big ideas, and closed out the summer with confidence.

Read more about what they accomplished, see who earned Student of the Week, and learn how to continue the journey this fall.

Your LinkedIn Journey Starts Now
Whether you're exploring college, applying for internships, or dreaming about your first job in tech, your digital presence matters. LinkedIn is more than just a résumé site—it’s a platform where students can build their brand, grow a professional network, and open doors to real opportunities.

In this blog post, we break down what LinkedIn is, why it matters, and how students ages 16–24 can create a strong, standout profile that impresses admissions officers, mentors, and future employers. Parents, there’s something here for you, too.

📘 Learn how to:

• Create your first LinkedIn profile

• Showcase your skills, projects, and passions

• Build and grow a meaningful professional network

In the Loop: July 22, 2025

This summer has been full of growth, energy, and impact at Urban Coders Guild. From successful coding camps and inspiring student stories to exciting community partnerships and future plans, there is a lot to share.

Our latest update offers a behind-the-scenes look at how we continue to support students and build pathways to college and career success.

In the Loop: July 14, 2025

Urban Coders Guild is off to a strong start this summer as we launch a new program year filled with purpose and momentum. In this update, we reflect on our Explore phase, celebrate student milestones, and share what is ahead for the months to come.

From Code to Career: How UCG Students Are Using LinkedIn to Build Their Digital Futures

Urban Coders Guild students are taking what they learn in the classroom and turning it into professional momentum. By building LinkedIn profiles, they are learning how to showcase their skills, share their stories, and connect with future opportunities.

Coding for Well-Being: How Urban Coders Guild Embraces Salutogenesis to Build a Healthier Future

At Urban Coders Guild, we believe that preparing students for success in tech includes supporting their overall well-being. This article explores how our approach is guided by the concept of salutogenesis and how we create learning environments that promote comfort, courage, confidence, community, and competency.

Tulsa’s Tech Future Begins Here: Inside Urban Coders Guild’s Summer Coding Camp

This summer, students from across Tulsa came together to learn, build, and grow through hands-on coding experiences. Urban Coders Guild’s summer coding camp is more than a tech program. It is a space where young people develop real skills, connect with mentors, and discover their potential in a growing tech ecosystem.

Why Urban Coders Guild’s Summer Coding Camps Are the Smart Choice for Tulsa Families

Urban Coders Guild’s summer coding camps offer more than just screen time. They provide meaningful learning, community connection, and real-world tech skills. Learn why Tulsa families are choosing this program as a smart investment in their children’s future.

Technology Careers for Everyone: The Many Paths Into the Tech Industry

You do not need to be a genius, a gamer, or a math whiz to find your place in tech. The tech industry needs designers, analysts, communicators, builders, and problem solvers of all kinds. This article explores the many entry points into tech and how young people can discover a path that fits their interests, strengths, and goals.

Investing in the Future: Urban Coders Guild, Summer Coding Camps, and Tulsa’s Tech Talent Pipeline

Urban Coders Guild is helping shape the next generation of Tulsa’s tech talent through hands-on summer coding camps that teach real-world skills and foster long-term growth. This article explores how our work supports students today while building a stronger, more inclusive tech ecosystem for tomorrow.

Oklahoma Needs More Computer Science Teachers

Across Oklahoma, schools still lack the computer science educators needed to prepare students for today’s tech-driven world. This article explores the current shortage, shares insights on why computer science teaching matters, and highlights how Urban Coders Guild is working to support educators and expand access to high-quality tech learning.

A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Succeed in Computer Science

Parents can play a powerful role in supporting their children’s success in computer science. This article offers practical strategies for guiding kids—from early encouragement and hands-on activities to resources, learning pathways, and understanding the real-world value of coding skills.

Empowering Our Future: Encouraging Computer Science Education Among Black, Latino, and Indigenous Youth in Tulsa

Computer science education can open new doors, but not everyone has equal access. Learn how Urban Coders Guild is working with community partners to support Black, Latino, and Indigenous youth in Tulsa as they explore coding, build confidence, and plan for future opportunities.

Bridging the Gap: Why HBCUs Must Partner with Pre‑College Coding Programs

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a unique opportunity to enrich their pipelines by working closely with pre‑college coding programs. This article explains how partnerships with organizations like Urban Coders Guild can expand access, boost student readiness, and build stronger pathways for underrepresented youth entering computer science.

Fostering Future Innovators: How Oklahoma’s Computer Science Programs Can Collaborate With Urban Coders Guild

Building strong partnerships between schools and programming organizations creates powerful opportunities for students. This article explores how Oklahoma’s computer science educators can team up with Urban Coders Guild to bring real-world tech experiences into classrooms, inspire innovation, and prepare a diverse generation of future leaders.