UF Partners with Marathon to Present “Hour of Code”
University of Findlay students came together April 17 during “Hour of Code” to talk with high-school students in Marathon Petroleum’s IT Explorers program. Hour of Code is a nation-wide grassroots effort to introduce more people to computer science through a one-hour lesson about coding.
“Our Choose Ohio First and Schmidlapp scholars design and present the Hour of Code for the IT Explorers. Participants learn hands-on and take home resources to learn more about coding,” said Helen Schneider, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of Computer Science program. Over the years, Schneider and her students have taken the time to talk with high school students about 3D printing, virtual reality goggles, website creation, and artificial intelligence.
High-school students with Marathon’s IT Explorers program range in age from freshmen to seniors. Many of them have an interest in IT, but many are also just getting started. “Right now, they are just breaking into it, and they may be a little scared. After hearing from University of Findlay students, who are just a few years older than they are, they quickly realize that they too can do this,” said Derek Reinhart ’18.
Reinhart currently works as a software engineer at Marathon Petroleum, but just a few years ago he was one of the UF students working with high-school students during “Hour of Code.” Now he has taken more of a mentor role and helps educate high-school students. “A lot of times, students don’t have all the information or a clear path when it comes to employment opportunities or internships. IT Explorers and events like this give them guidance and a support team as they move closer to college, co-ops, and eventually careers in IT,” he said.
To learn more about “Hour of Code,” visit Code.org. To learn more about the IT Explorers program, email ITExplorers@marathonpetroleum.com. If you are interested in learning more about University of Findlay’s Computer Science program and its various options of emphasis, visit their page.
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