Computer Science Education Week – Microsoft and 4-H Encourage Young People to Learn to Code Through the Release of Minecraft Hero’s Journey

December 4, 2017

Millions of Kids and Others Will Participate in an Hour of Code

Jane Broom, Senior Director at Microsoft Philanthropies, and Jennifer Sirangelo, President & CEO, National 4-H Council

(Redmond, WA, Monday, December 4, 2017)The first week of December marks Computer Science Education (CS Ed) Week, dedicated to helping everyone, including parents and teachers, understand that they can learn the language of computing and create, not just use, technology.  Millions of kids and others will participate in an Hour of Code, a global call to action to spend an hour learning the basics of coding.

Microsoft aims to help more students appreciate the importance, versatility and creativity that define coding. The company released a new Minecraft tutorial for Hour of Code, called “Hero’s Journey,” which is being used in classrooms, at after-school programs, community centers and homes everywhere. The tutorial uses game elements loved by so many young people, and introduces a fun character called the Agent, to present computer science concepts in a fun and creative way.

Microsoft is also working on new ways to deliver digital skills. TechSpark, a recently launched civic program by Microsoft, aims to foster greater economic opportunity and job creation in rural communities. Through TechSpark, Microsoft is working with 4-H, America’s largest youth development organization, to provide digital skills training to young people.

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