Code the Future

ByteRoots Foundation has been at the forefront of digital equity in rural America since 2015. Operating primarily in underfunded school districts across Iowa, their mission is to provide access to quality technology tools and training to students who are often overlooked in the larger tech literacy movement. This project, Code the Future, focuses on bridging the digital divide by distributing 80 refurbished laptops to students from three school districts with limited access to devices or reliable internet.

In addition to the laptops, ByteRoots partners with national bootcamp providers to offer online coding courses in Python, JavaScript, and web development. These courses are designed to be beginner-friendly while also challenging students to push the boundaries of their creativity and logic. The laptops will be preloaded with essential software and configured for remote learning, ensuring that students can begin their tech journeys as soon as they receive their devices.

Rural students face a unique set of challenges when it comes to pursuing careers in technology. Many lack exposure to role models in STEM fields, and even fewer have access to the necessary resources to experiment with programming or design. By creating this pathway early on, ByteRoots hopes to plant seeds that could lead to scholarships, internships, and long-term employment in tech.

The project is not only about devices—it’s about transformation. Mentors from local universities and IT companies will be volunteering time for monthly virtual check-ins and tutoring. These relationships help students stay motivated, provide guidance, and offer a glimpse into the real-world applications of what they’re learning. It’s about building a bridge between where these students are and where they could go.

Finally, ByteRoots includes parents and guardians in the process through tech-orientation workshops, helping families understand and support their children’s digital goals. This holistic approach ensures that the impact of the project resonates beyond the student and into the broader community. Every dollar donated helps build a more connected, curious, and capable future generation.