Design YOU! Code Camp: Lessons Learned for Engaging Underserved Youth

DesignYOU! Code Camp is a grant-funded summer outreach camp designed to increase interest in coding and STEM careers among middle school students (6th - 8th graders) through an innovative, immersive summer camp experience. To make the concepts of coding more palpable, researchers incorporated fashion and retail allowing students to learn through practical applications of the concepts taught. This paper outlines the planning, logistics, and lessons learned from the second iteration of the DesignYOU! Code Camp. Overall, both parents and students expressed satisfaction with the camp while student interest in coding increased. Successes and challenges from implementing the DesignYOU! Code Camp are discussed.