Memphis, TN – Meka Egwuekwe and Audrey Willis, two of the co-founders of CodeCrew, are passionate about bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved youth in Memphis through technology education. Their non-profit organization, CodeCrew, has been making a significant impact since its inception in 2015.
A Shared Passion for Technology
Egwuekwe’s fascination with coding began at the age of 10 when he received a Texas Instruments home computer as a gift. He spent countless hours exploring the computer’s manual and learning how to code through BASIC, a general-purpose programming language. This early exposure to technology ignited a passion that would shape his future.
“That turned into what ultimately became a 19-year career as a software developer after…educational opportunities like Andover for high school, Morehouse for college, and Duke University for graduate school,” Egwuekwe said.
Willis’s love for technology blossomed in a supportive environment that encouraged her curiosity. Inspired by video games and exploring the command line on her relative’s computer, she developed a keen interest in the digital world. Her teachers recognized her potential and fostered her passion by providing her with additional opportunities to explore technology.
“I had a boss that paid attention to [my interest in coding] he was like ‘you’re actually doing something I need people to do in the back’… And I became a systems administrator,” she recalled.
Transforming Lives Through Technology Education
Egwuekwe and Willis’s shared passion for technology eventually led them to co-found CodeCrew along with their colleague Petya Grady. CodeCrew is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young students on computer science and computational thinking. The organization serves over 800 students weekly, with a focus on underrepresented groups. 92% of the students they serve are Black and Latinx.
It’s important for parents to understand the difference between being a consumer of technology and a producer of technology,
Meka Egwuekwe
CodeCrew’s comprehensive programs range from afterschool and summer camps for K-12 students to an adult coding boot camp, the Code School. The organization’s goal is to provide every student with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the tech industry.
“It’s important for parents to understand the difference between being a consumer of technology and a producer of technology,” says Egwuekwe. “What we do at CodeCrew is we focus on equipping kids with the skillsets that they can be producers, creators, and influencers of technology.”
The Code School
Willis’s experiences instilled in her a deep-seated desire to educate others, ultimately propelling her to the helm of CodeCrew’s Code School. She holds the school close to her heart, recognizing its role as “an alternative track into the tech field.”
This aggressive six-to-seven-month program caters to adults 18 and over and equips students with the skills to code by exposing them to a full MERN stack, React, JavaScript and .NET amongst other things. Prior to enrolling in CodeCrew’s Code School, prospective students participate in a two-fold evaluation process: an “explore software development class” and a basic assessment. These measures serve as valuable tools in identifying individuals who possess the necessary desire and grit required to complete the program.
CodeCrew partners with various organizations, such as the Collective Blueprint, the NBA Foundation, Bank of America, and government organizations to help support the program and ease the financial burden for students.
Supporting CodeCrew’s Mission
Egwuekwe and Willis encourage individuals and businesses to support CodeCrew’s mission in various ways:
- Volunteering: “As we’re expanding [to] other cities, we depend on volunteers [and] we need a network, a growing network, in those places,” Egwuekwe said. “Whether you’re technical or non-technical, we have work for you so invite you to reach out to engagement with us in that regard.”
- Connect students with opportunities: IT managers and other individuals can assist Code School students by providing them with internships, apprenticeships, or full-time jobs.
- Donate: Financial contributions enable CodeCrew to expand its programs and reach more students.
CodeCrew’s story is a testament to the power of education and the transformative impact of technology. By empowering underserved youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age, CodeCrew is making a lasting impact on the Memphis community and beyond.
Learn More by Visiting the CodeCrew website: https://www.code-crew.org/
Donate to CodeCrew: https://codecrew.kindful.com/
Meet the Co-Founders
Meka Egwuekwe serves as the Executive Director of CodeCrew. He is passionate about increasing the number of underrepresented students in the technology field.
Audrey Willis is the Code School Director at CodeCrew. Audrey says the most unique thing about the Code School is the “true comradery that’s built” in their Code School. They have created a “very firm technical pipeline” for students.
