Advanced Computer Science

About the Program

If you are tired of being told you are too young to learn serious coding, then our Advanced Computer Science Program is just for you! You will connect live with a fantastic instructor and other inspired young coders. Explore the program below and get ready to code your dreams into reality.

Application Timeline:

September 08, 2023 (5:00 pm Central): Registration opens
October 16, 2023 (11:59 pm Central): Registration closes

Program Events:

October 23, 2023: Class begins
- Mondays & Wednesdays; 5:00-6:30 pm Central
No class on November 20, 22 and December 25, 27 and Jan 1
Class ends February 21, 2024

Explorations in Computer Science is an online, teacher-led, introductory course based on Project STEM curriculum that empowers students to engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. Through a series of real-world scenarios, projects and challenges, students are introduced to foundational concepts that they will return to repeatedly throughout the course.

Donna Bohlmann is a recently retired teacher, having spent 31 years teaching multiple grade levels in Ohio and Iowa. She spent more than 16 years as the Talented and Gifted Coordinator for the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont School District in Eddyville, Iowa. In 2017 she received the Belin-Blank Center's Educator Award for Outstanding Achievement. Donna has a B.S. in Education from The University of Akron and has completed graduate work at The Ohio State University and The University of Iowa. She currently lives in Ottumwa, Iowa, with her husband, John. She is the mother of Marshall, Jared, and Olivia, and grandma to Luna. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, theatre, scrapbooking, and reading.

Classes

Explorations in Computer Science

Grades 4-6

October 23 - February 21, 2024

$895

Applications are closed.

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How to Register

Eligibility

To determine if this opportunity is a good fit for you, take a moment to consider these questions.

Are you interested in logic and putting things in order?
Are you interested in learning how to code AND how computers and technology affect our everyday lives?
Are you interested in thinking about how computer science can help us improve the world?
Are you motivated to work through lessons on your own and reach out to ask questions if you need help?
Are you looking forward to working with other young coders during scheduled class time?
If you answered yes to these questions, register now!

Age ranges vary by class. Any student who is currently in the appropriate grade is eligible to register for this program. You do not need to be in a talented and gifted program to register.

Registration Process

Here's how to register:

Identify if a class is a good fit for your academic strengths and interests.
Complete a registration form.
If there are more eligible students than seats in a class, students will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a waitlist will be generated for the class.
Submit payment.

Photos

After You've Registered

Cost & Financial Aid

The cost of our coding experiences varies, and the price is listed by each opportunity. We know that times are hard for many students and their families right now. Fortunately, we are committed to supporting one another, so financial aid and payment plans are available to families who qualify.

You may receive financial aid for up to half the cost of the program. Awards are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, while funds are available. Qualification for free or reduced-price lunch typically determines eligibility. After reviewing your information, we will send you an email regarding any award you may receive. If you are granted financial aid, it will be applied directly to your program fees.

Payment Options

There are three options for payment of program fees:

Pay the entire amount on a credit card.
Pay in monthly installments using a credit card.

Technology

Students will be using Project STEM’s digital learning platform to manage course discussions, materials, and assignments. They will also use Zoom for in-person discussions. Please make sure the device you plan to use during Explorations in Coding is capable and that you are comfortable with these platforms.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel, please email students@belinblank.org as soon as possible so that a student on the waiting list may attend.
We will not provide a refund for cancellations made within 10 days of the class start date.
If we must cancel a class in advance, you will receive a full refund.
If we must reschedule the start time or date of a class and your student does not attend, you will receive a full refund upon request.
If a student misses a class, you are not entitled to a refund.