CodeHoppers inspires the next generation of innovators

CodeHoppers is offering middle school students a fun, low-pressure way to explore technology, create their own projects and discover what interests them. CodeHoppers is an after-school club offered through the Cyber Institute at Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences (SCCS). The purpose of the program is to increase awareness in cybersecurity and computing. No previous coding experience is required.

Named after an influential pioneer in computer science, Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, the program welcomes boys and girls and focuses specifically on students in grades 6-8.

Alex Cooper, a CodeHoppers instructor and Cyber Institute program coordinator, said the age group was chosen intentionally. “We’re focused on middle schoolers because middle schoolers are at a really good age where they can work on projects and come up with their own ideas,” Cooper said.

Another unique part of CodeHoppers is the opportunity for Augusta University students to teach and mentor the younger students participating in the program. Madeline White, a junior cyber operations major, previously worked with CodeHoppers and is now a co-teacher.

“The last time I was part of CodeHoppers, I was a freshman, and I have grown so much professionally since then. I’ve learned a lot about programming and microcontrollers, and it’s been great to apply that knowledge and help teach students about something I love so much,” White said. Throughout the program, students get hands-on experience with coding, 3D printing and tools such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino and cutebots. During one session, students are able to design their own keychains and later receive a 3D-printed version of their creations.

“I enjoy getting to see these students learn something new, and I also love seeing how happy they are about their code working on their completed projects,” White said. “The students are always talking about how cool the activities are, or how excited they are for future projects. Their excitement is contagious.”

For the middle school students participating in CodeHoppers, those hands-on activities provide an opportunity to learn new skills while discovering what they enjoy about technology. Dariusz Kowalski, PhD, a SCCS professor, has two daughters in the program.

“My favorite part of CodeHoppers so far was working on the coding projects because it involves my hobby, coding,” Alicja Kowalski said. “Something new I learned was how to program the ‘brain’ of one of the projects using beginner-friendly drag-and-drop blocks or text-based code.”

Her sister, Aleksandra Kowalski, also enjoys the hands-on learning opportunities CodeHoppers provides.

“My favorite part of CodeHoppers is how I got to code and experiment way more than I did before. One new thing I learned was more ways to code and how to develop things.”

Beyond teaching students how to code, Cooper wants them to leave each session excited about what they can create.

“I want to make it a really good first experience for them and kind of encourage them to do more,” he said.

Parents also get a chance to join in on the fun. They are asked to stay with their children during CodeHoppers sessions and are encouraged to participate in the activities. If you are interested in attending a CodeHoppers session, there are three more opportunities: Nov. 10, Nov. 24 and Dec. 8. A new program session is scheduled to start during the spring 2027 semester.