Youth Programmatic Thinking

YOUTH PROGRAMMATIC THINKING

Start with coding. Build from there.

Youth Programmatic Thinking is BDPA Twin Cities' foundational technology education program for kids and teens in grades 3–12. Students learn through hands-on coding classes designed to strengthen problem-solving, computational thinking, creativity, and confidence with technology.

Students can begin with Scratch or Python based on their age and readiness, return for future sessions, and continue building their skills as they move through the BDPA student pathway.

01 GRADES 3–6

FOUNDATIONAL CODING

Scratch Coding

A visual introduction to coding that helps younger students understand how instructions, sequences, events, loops, conditions, and variables work.

Students learn by creating projects, games, and animations while developing the problem-solving skills that prepare them for more advanced programming.

A great place to start if your child:
  • Is new to coding
  • Enjoys games, technology, or creating things
  • Learns best through visual, hands-on projects
NO PRIOR CODING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Explore Scratch →
02 GRADES 6–12

NEXT-LEVEL CODING

Python Coding

Students move into text-based programming and begin writing real Python code while learning how programmers use logic, structure, and problem-solving to build with technology.

Python gives students an opportunity to strengthen their programming skills and prepare for more advanced technology learning within BDPA.

A great fit for students who:
  • Are ready to explore text-based programming
  • Want to understand how real code works
  • Are ready to continue developing their technology skills
HANDS-ON TEXT-BASED PROGRAMMING Explore Python →

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

One program. Multiple opportunities to grow.

8 Weeks Hands-on instruction during each coding session
Fall September through November
Winter / Spring February through April
Return & Advance Students can return for future sessions as they grow
NEXT ON THE PATHWAY

Youth Programmatic Thinking is just the beginning.

As students move into high school, they can continue developing their technology skills through BDPA Twin Cities' online High School Technology Program, where learning progresses through multiple levels of technology education.

See the Next Step →

YOUR TECHNOLOGY JOURNEY

Your Learning Doesn't Stop Here.

Scratch is just the beginning. BDPA Twin Cities offers additional opportunities for students to build their technology skills, explore new challenges, and continue learning as they grow.

01 GRADES 6–12

CONTINUE CODING

Explore Python Coding Classes

Ready to move beyond visual programming? Python introduces students to text-based coding, where they begin writing real code, strengthening their problem-solving skills, and learning how software works.

Explore Python
02 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

ADVANCE YOUR SKILLS

Discover the High School Technology Program

BDPA Twin Cities' High School Technology Program provides opportunities for students to continue developing their technical knowledge through progressive levels of technology education. Explore the program and discover where your learning can take you next.

Explore HSTP

From the classroom to the boardroom. Every new skill creates another opportunity to learn, explore, and grow with BDPA Twin Cities.