Mastery Coding : Spearheading Change in Computer Science Education

Alan Sitomer, founder and CEO

Equity has never been more important in education. COVID-19 and its impact on schools have highlighted how the lower socioeconomic communities have suffered greater learning loss than others. This gap is especially pronounced in computer science education, which is critical if learners are to be successful in today’s technological world. STEM is where the jobs of tomorrow exist. Yyet, not everybody has access to learn computer science skills. “Our goal is to provide traditionally disenfranchised student populations an opportunity to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by teaching the computer science and STEM skills —- both the hard and soft skills - —that are highly valued by today’s employers,” states Alan Sitomer, founder and CEO, Mastery Coding.

A California-based education technology company, Mastery Coding is built on the principle of equity, access, rigor and fun. It upholds the belief that without a strong computer science curriculum, educational institutions are denying essential learning to all of their students. To that end, the company specializes in providing students—even those with no prior coding experience—a coursework that is a smart balance of standards-based lesson plans that teach core computer science concepts through a project-based learning model. “Even if a kid has never touched a line of code in their life, they can take one of our courses and develop a toolbox of core coding skills while having a lot of fun along the way,” affirms Sitomer.

Master Coding empowers students to meet the challenges of tomorrow through intelligent technology education by offering a series of product lines that provide equitable access to the literacy of tomorrow: coding. This encompasses industry-leading courses in computer science essentials, web and game development, cybersecurity, and academic eSports that culminate in students earning professional certifications while having createdcreating digital portfolios that demonstrate proficiency, competency, and aptitude. “One of the biggest areas where we are supremely successful is in using students’ passions to awaken their hunger for learning and discovering new career opportunities,” adds Sitomer.

Our goal is to provide traditionally disenfranchised student populations an opportunity to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by learning new computer science skills that are highly valued by today’s employers

More and more school district administrators who recognize the value of STEM education are turning toward Mastery Coding. In fact, Career and Technical Education directors (CTE) are the firm’s leading clients. With Mastery Coding’s courses, students not only develop a love for computer science develop not only a love for computer science but also a vision for a prosperous future. “To put it simply, our students are being prepared with a full package of tools that set them up for future success,” says Sitomer. For example, one of Mastery Coding’s leading courses is an academic eSports program that has kids lining up around the block to participate. By enrolling in the program, students don’t just get to play games but also participate in apprenticeship opportunities in the multi-billion-dollar industry of eSports. “We call it our ‘game and make program.’ We turn kids from gamers into makers,” says Sitomer.

Besides, Mastery Coding also knowsfirmly believes that the teacher at the front of the classroom makes the most significant difference to student success. Consequently, the company supports educators from ‘soup to nuts’ throughout the school year (and not just with one little training program at the beginning of the year. like many others within the industry). Professional Development is a big part of their success.

As a part of its extended plans—beyond K-12 school programs—Mastery Coding is offering bootcamps for adults seeking to upskill their computer science abilities. Each ends with individual learners earning industry-accredited certifications that set them up to take the next step towards attaining high-paying jobs. Alongside, Master Coding intends to expand its focus area with a course on ‘Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)’ designed to help students overcome real-life challenges and understand the world around them. “As our students make their way through learning programming, they will also receive applicable life lessons about self-awareness, social responsibility, organizational leadership, and more,” states Sitomer.

A teacher initially driven to improve student literacy rate, Sitomer is now spearheading change in the educational landscape using technology to teach skills and open a door of endless opportunities for students in a world changed by technology.

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Company
Mastery Coding

Headquarters
Los Angeles, CA

Management
Alan Sitomer, founder and CEO

Description
Mastery Coding creates career-ready coding courses and eSports programs, camps, and tournaments for K-12 students. It includes computer science essentials, web and game development, cybersecurity, and academic eSports, and more. Through the course, students earn professional certificates and create digital portfolios that demonstrate proficiency, competency, and aptitude. Their computer science curriculum is cross-disciplinary, standards-based, and efficacious, suitable for live, remote, and hybrid modes of instruction. It also offers boot camps for adults seeking to upskill their computer science abilities. Professional development is an addition to their list of expertise