Jenny Joffer from Jane Addams Elementary received $1,600 for her proposal, “Cultivating Kids That Code.”

She plans to purchase 16 Osmo coding kits that will be used in the classroom and throughout the building. In the application, she wrote, “Osmo coding kits will give students hands-on experience in the concepts of coding and will help develop their problem solving and logic skills. The tangible blocks and interactive games create an immersive experience. This fosters social skills, teamwork, and communication. Coding challenges kids to think critically and analyze situations from different perspectives. They learn to anticipate potential issues and consider alternative solutions. Overall, coding for kids provides a holistic learning experience, nurturing various cognitive and interpersonal skills essential for success in the 21st century. As technology continues to play a significant role in various industries, early exposure to coding is increasingly recognized as a valuable educational component.”