H.O. Brittingham Elementary School recently completed its Next Gen Coders Club, an eight-week afterschool program designed to introduce fifth-grade students to coding, command-line computing, Python programming and the responsible use of AI-assisted tools.

A group of 20 fifth-grade students met every Wednesday for hands-on technical instruction and guided learning experiences that built problem-solving, critical thinking and digital literacy skills. The club was led by Chris Neuwirth, a district parent and an expert in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Neuwirth custom-built a secure training platform specifically for the program. Each student used a browser-based terminal to learn Bash commands, navigate the Linux operating system, create and manage files, write scripts and play coding games. Assignments were adapted based on each student’s progress, providing the right level of challenge as participants advanced through the curriculum.

A distinctive component of the program was “Cody,” a virtual teacher created by Neuwirth specifically for the club. A personified AI agent, Cody worked directly with students from the command line, providing hints, encouragement, guidance and the occasional dad joke to keep learning fun and approachable.

“This was about giving students early access to the language of technology,” Neuwirth said. “They do not need to wait until high school to understand how systems work, how to write code or how to use AI responsibly. When students realize they can control the computer instead of just consume content on it, something clicks.”

Participating in the club also helped students build persistence. Each weekly assignment required them to test commands, debug mistakes, ask better questions and keep trying when the answer was not obvious. “Coding teaches more than syntax,” Neuwirth said. “It teaches students how to break down a problem, think logically, recover from mistakes and keep moving. Those skills matter in technology, but they also matter everywhere else.”

“Next Gen Coders Club gave our students access to something truly special,” said Julie Hickman, H.O. Brittingham assistant principal. “They were not just learning about technology from a distance; they were using real tools, solving real problems and building confidence every week.”

Principal Yvette Davenport said, “This program provided students with opportunities that many do not experience until high school or beyond. The students were excited, they were engaged and they were proud of what they were learning."

Organizers extend thanks to school nurse Karen Neuwirth, technology teacher Vicki Campbell, Information Technology Supervisor Mike League and former technology teacher Mark Hare for volunteering their time and support to help make this vision a reality. Their contributions were instrumental in creating an engaging and meaningful experience for students.

The Next Gen Coders Club reflects H.O. Brittingham Elementary’s commitment to expanding student opportunities and preparing young learners for a future where technology, problem-solving and digital fluency will play central roles.