The CODERS (Coders Opportunity Development and Education in Rural Schools) initiative at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Innovation & Research program, equips rural teachers with the resources, training, and confidence needed to bring coding and computer science into rural classrooms. Since 2021, CODERS has worked with over 60 educators and reached more than 3,500 students in rural Missouri schools, empowering them to bridge the digital divide and unlock future career opportunities.
At the heart of CODERS is its commitment to teachers. Each participating educator receives classroom sets of coding kits, including tools like Micro:bits, drones, and robot dogs, alongside professional development through summer workshops. These workshops, held on June 2-6, 2025, and June 1-5, 2026, teach practical, inquiry-based approaches to integrating coding into any discipline, from math and science to music and languages.
John Moore, a 35-year veteran teacher from Neosho Junior High, shared his enthusiasm for the program, saying, “Through the MSU CODERS project, participation in coding activities is at an all-time high, with students embracing the challenges of critical thinking and collaboration. Whether they are using block coding or designing code in Scratch to create a sprite, these kids are discovering the possibilities of future career goals in technology.”
The results are transformative: participating schools report a 42% increase in science proficiency, a 10% increase in math proficiency, and a marked rise in students’ confidence and interest in STEM careers. CODERS’ success stems from its interdisciplinary approach, guided by a team of experts across education, computer science, and the arts.
For information about joining CODERS or registering for an upcoming workshop, please contact Dr. Keri Franklin, Project Director, at kfranklin@missouristate.edu.
