It’s after three o’clock on a Monday afternoon and while most students have left school to go home, a group of students chooses to stay and learn.

Laura Irish is a teacher at Rock Island Academy and started the Leopards Who Code club. Just in its first year, already 16 students have signed up.

“I have some good social-emotional learning conversations with my students about gaming and apps. They often make me think about things from a new perspective,” said Ms. Irish.

The club is for any 3rd-6th grade Leopard who’s interested in learning about technology.

The club meets every Monday and meetings consist of friendship activities, learning the history of computers and coding, and coding projects like video games, apps, artistic design, and more.

“I’m hoping the students who join will gain new friendships, learn collaboration, find a creative outlet, and gain confidence with technology,” said Ms. Irish.