SEA-TECH students thrive during Week of Code

Former Digital Media Technology student volunteers SEA-TECH students
Digital Media Technology instructor Dennis DeBroeck organized “Week of Code” to help students learn about processes and basic computer coding. Former Walla Walla High School student Nick Ferraro, who is now with SalesForce in the Portland branch, volunteered to work with students for a week at the Southeast Area Technical Skills Center in support of the program. The event was designed to give students a chance to get an inside look at a career in coding and find out what it takes to develop the skills and knowledge to be successful.

“Students found motivation in the areas of coding and software engineering, by having an industry software engineer in the classroom for a week,” said DeBroeck. “As they explored coding assignments and challenges, they were not only able to “ask the engineer” technical questions but, also the important “what do you do?” questions. Nick is very accomplished in his career and he is the “Technology” equivalent of the professional sports athlete coming back to inspire students.”

According to DeBroeck the event was a tremendous success.

“Many students started by thinking they would never be able to code and did not think of it as an option,” said DeBroeck. “After the “Week of Code” experience, many students now have that barricade removed and have decided to investigate.”

Nick Ferraro was presented with a copy of the promotional poster on the last day of the event. The poster was signed and personalized with “Success can come from breaking down the walls of the unknown and beginning the process of knowing.”