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.
Post Views: 56
Latest Newsroom
- Fields Stepping Down, New Interim VP of Academic Affairs NamedFINDLAY, Ohio – University of Findlay Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Darin Fields, PhD, has announced plans to step down from his position effective August 1. Fields will remain at the University, joining the English, philosophy, and religious studies […] The post Fields Stepping Down, New Interim VP of Academic Affairs Named appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Computer Science Student Wins National ChampionshipA Champion Emerges Chase Otto, a University of Findlay sophomore majoring in computer science, recently earned the title and distinction of national champion. At the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship, held on June 18 in Grapevine, Texas, […] The post UF Computer Science Student Wins National Championship appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- New Director, Assistant Director Named for Mazza MuseumThe University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is proud to announce that Dan Chudzinski will be the new director and Amanda Davidson-Johnston will be elevated to the role of assistant director, as of August 1, 2025. “The impressive credentials of Dan […] The post New Director, Assistant Director Named for Mazza Museum appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Mazza Art Camp offered to local schoolchildren July 28 – August 1The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will host its annual Art Camp, formerly the Young Artist Workshop, on July 28 to August 1, for area grade school and middle students. Based on a theme of “Fantasy,” children will learn about […] The post Mazza Art Camp offered to local schoolchildren July 28 – August 1 appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Celebrates New Pickleball Courts at Ribbon-Cutting CeremonyThe University of Findlay hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and kicked off a pickleball tournament on Friday, June 20, to celebrate the new pickleball courts on campus. The courts are located at 201 College Street, in front of the College of […] The post UF Celebrates New Pickleball Courts at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Enchanted Brush Exhibit of Fantasy Artwork Opens at Mazza MuseumThe University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will showcase a selection of the world’s finest fantasy artists in its 11th annual Enchanted Brush exhibit, open now through August 29. This year’s exhibit, free to the public in the Lea Gallery of […] The post Enchanted Brush Exhibit of Fantasy Artwork Opens at Mazza Museum appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
