In The Loop
Stories, updates, and insights from Urban Coders Guild — plus tech news, community events, and partner highlights.
Week Two at Urban Coders Guild’s July Coding Camp: Leveling Up and Leaning In
Urban Coders Guild’s July Coding Camp is moving full speed ahead. Last week, from July 15 to July 19, our students continued to build new skills and confidence across all of our classes. They practiced teamwork, pushed through challenges, and made strong progress toward completing their final projects.
Python: Practicing and Perfecting the Fundamentals
In our Intro to Python class, students continued to work with core programming concepts. They practiced printing text, using variables and math operators, working with data types like strings and lists, formatting output with f-strings, and accepting user input. They applied these skills to hands-on projects that challenged their problem-solving and encouraged collaboration. Students are continuing to grow more comfortable and confident in their coding.
Web Development: Designing for the Real World
Students added animations, optimized their websites for mobile viewing, and explored careers in media and tech. Their sites are becoming more advanced, and their creativity continues to shine through. They also began preparing to share their finished websites with family and friends.
Unity Game Development: From Errors to Execution
Unity students spent the week learning how to identify and troubleshoot syntax, run-time, and logical errors. They practiced debugging and critical thinking while continuing work on their newest project, Sprite Flight. This 2D space game features a player-controlled spaceship that dodges obstacles. Students added a user interface element that tracks survival time and are putting the final touches on their projects.
Cybersecurity: Thinking Like a Hacker, Acting Like a Defender
Our cybersecurity students reviewed key concepts and learned more about digital threats and protections. They explored how malware works, what makes a system vulnerable, and how protective tools can help. Students then participated in interactive group activities. One team pitched an original malware concept to a fictional dark web investor group. Another presented as a digital forensic agency sharing its findings about a cybersecurity incident. These exercises gave students insight into real-world careers in digital security.
Professional Development: Building an Online Presence
Students aged 16 and older participated in a special session on LinkedIn with Urban Coders Guild Founder and Executive Director Mikeal Vaughn. They learned how to build a strong online presence and took their first steps in creating a professional LinkedIn profile. For many, it was their first time thinking about how their skills and experiences can open doors in college and career.
Celebrating Our Students of the Week
Ava Turner, Cybersecurity
Caiden Celestine, Unity Game Development
Jeremy Philip, Python
Alex Rodriguez, Web Development
These students were recognized by their instructors for their curiosity, leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and team spirit. They asked thoughtful questions, supported their classmates, and stayed focused even when the work got tough. These are the kinds of qualities that help students succeed in school, in the workplace, and in life.
We are so proud of everything our students are learning and doing at camp. And we are grateful to the families, mentors, and community partners who make it all possible.
One week left.
