A youngster, guided by a student mentor, is learning to operate a small drone. After getting comfortable flying it up and down, she flips a couple controls and the drone completes an airborne somersault. Nearby, a group is entering instructions to make robotic vehicles follow a path. Another group is working intently on laptops, programming actions in Minecraft.
They’re all part of Family Code Night, which brings together kids and caregivers to learn about technology in engaging ways. It’s a program of TechBuffalo, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible technology opportunities in Western New York.
Most skills training programs are adults only, but Family Code Night crosses generations. Childcare and transportation are common barriers to participation, so the events for kids aged 7-13 and their adults are free, include meals and take place at locations around the city. Sessions offer a fun introduction to programming concepts for kids and caregivers alike.
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“We really wanted to make sure that we were focusing on reducing barriers while also increasing digital literacy,” says Rachel Eastlack, TechBuffalo’s community impact program lead. Microsoft’s national TechSpark program selected TechBuffalo as a partner in its efforts to promote digital skills and employability.
Family Code Night uses the Microsoft-owned Minecraft—the world’s best-selling video game—as a teaching tool. Minecraft Education, a special edition of the game, allows users to write and implement coding, develop math skills and practice problem solving.
A Family Code Night participant hard at work within Minecraft.
Meanwhile, “adults are provided additional info on Western New York tech training and LinkedIn Learning pathways,” explains Rachel.
TechBuffalo held 14 Family Code Night sessions in 2024, drawing more than 300 attendees. At each event, trainers and collaborating organizations share learning opportunities across a variety of platforms and applications.
Giselle Akal learned about Family Code Night while attending a TechBuffalo program for adults. She and her children have joined several sessions, and she has seen so much value in the program that she spreads the word to other parents and puts up posters.
“They get to learn how to code,” she says of her kids. “They get to unlock secret doors [in Minecraft]; that makes them feel a great sense of accomplishment. It’s a good time for everyone … I get to watch my children add tools to their toolbox to help them socialize as well as learn.”
A student mentor works with younger kids as they create a robotic vehicle.
Families Aimed Toward Excellence (FATE) is one of the collaborating organizations. “We’re based on the east side of Buffalo, and part of our target is bringing hands-on STEM and computer science to disadvantaged communities,” explains CEO Simone Ragland.
At the December Family Code Night, Simone proudly watched as a FATE student mentor interacted with younger participants.
“He’s teaching kids how to do the drone, he’s teaching them how to build robots, he’s teaching them how to code—and he’s in seventh grade!” she says.
Building these connections and having fun doing so can lead participants to new opportunities and even careers.
“Everything touches tech, everything is at least tech adjacent,” Rachel says. “You can explore, you can dabble, you’ll know what’s going on.”
Check out upcoming Family Code Night dates here.
