Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherika Powell
Hi Sherika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We took over ownership of the Coder School in May 2024. My husband has worked in the IT industry for the last 20 years and wants to own a business supporting kids in STEM education. We jumped at the chance to own the Coder school which teaches kids ages 7-18 how to code aka write computer programs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As new owners, there are always obstacles on the path to entrepreneurship. Right now we are focused on brand awareness reaching our demographic and extending our reach beyond the school walls.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Coder School differentiates itself from other code academies in several key ways:
1. **Personalized Coaching:** The Coder School focuses on a personalized, mentor-driven approach rather than large classes. Each student works with a dedicated coach who tailors the lessons to their specific needs, goals, and interests.
2. **Project-Based Learning:** Instead of following a rigid curriculum, The Coder School emphasizes project-based learning, allowing students to work on coding projects that interest them. This fosters creativity and practical application of coding skills.
3. **Open Platform Approach:** They don’t restrict students to one specific language or platform. Instead, they expose students to a wide variety of coding languages, platforms, and tools based on their skill level and interest.
4. **Focus on Younger Students:** The Coder School specializes in teaching coding to kids from around 7 to 18 years old. This focus allows them to craft teaching methods and programs that are especially effective for young learners.
5. **Learning Environment:** Their schools often create a casual, fun environment that encourages kids to experiment and explore. This makes coding feel accessible and exciting, helping to build long-term interest.
6. **Collaboration and Soft Skills:** Beyond just coding, The Coder School emphasizes the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Their students often collaborate on projects, which helps them develop these essential soft skills.
This combination of personalized coaching, flexible curriculum, and focus on real-world projects is what helps set The Coder School apart from other coding academies.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to us is our mission in our business to continue to help move the needle in STEM education. The Coder School embodies what we believe in teaching the next generation skills such as coding to help shape future innovators.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/spring/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoderschool_spring/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoderschoolspring
