Cleveland Kids to Explore Tech and Literacy Together in Hands-On Coding Event

CLEVELAND — On Saturday, May 17, from 3 to 5 p.m., The Genius Code will host “Motherboard & Me,” a free, hands-on coding event for youth and families at the Cleveland Public Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, located at 10601 Euclid Ave. The event aims to introduce children and their parents to block-based programming through collaborative storytelling and digital literacy activities.

“Motherboard & Me is designed to bring families together through creative technology,” said Nikita Collier, founder of The Genius Code. “We believe that when kids and caregivers learn side by side, it builds confidence and curiosity that lasts beyond the workshop.”

Participants will engage in building a digital story using block coding tools while assembling a physical flower block as a keepsake. The event emphasizes intergenerational learning and is intended to be both educational and enjoyable. Attendees will also receive free books provided by the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank.

The Genius Code, an organization focused on coding and tech education for underrepresented communities, is leading this initiative. The event precedes Collier’s scheduled appearance at the Google Blockly Summit in Seattle, where she will discuss how storytelling can bridge creativity, technology, and literacy. “I’ll be sharing how building stories with code can link tech with creativity and literacy, one block at a time,” Collier shared on LinkedIn.

Registration is required for the event. Interested participants can sign up through the official Eventbrite page.

“We want to make tech feel accessible and fun for everyone,” Collier added. “This event is about planting seeds of possibility in young minds and showing families they can build the future together.”

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