Code in Motion by SPARKS

SPARKS is a collaborative initiative led by three mission-driven nonprofit organizations, BootUp, TERC, and Fun Zone Reading Club for Homeless Kids. They are working together to increase access to computer science education for children and families experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, California through Code in Motion by SPARKS. This community-based programming will bring learning directly to youth in supported housing, libraries, and community centers.

This partnership was the result of the Educating All Learners Alliance’s Community of Action. The CoA brought together professionals with the common goal of affecting change for learners with disabilities or learning differences. Over the course of just 36 hours, connections were made, proposals drawn up, and funding awarded. 

Step One: Community Coach Training

In November 2025, residents of a permanent supportive housing complex and other Skid Row, CA community members joined Heather, a trainer from BootUp, for six hours of paid training. Participants explored computational thinking, Scratch, and both plugged and unplugged Zoombinis logic puzzles and related activities. Community Coaches will now lead small groups of children in the 3-week afterschool program hosted by Coach Ron of the Fun Zone Reading Club.

Step Two: Afterschool Programming

Code in Motion by SPARKS is set to start children moving and coding at the end of November. More details and photos to come!