Free Youth Coding Classes

Saturday Coding Classes for Grades 3–12 in Saint Paul

Saturday Coding Classes for Grades 3–12 in Saint Paul

Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT)

BDPA Twin Cities offers free youth coding classes in Saint Paul for students in grades 3 through 12. Through our Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT) initiative, students learn the foundations of computer science in a fun, engaging, and inclusive environment—taught by real IT professionals and mentors of color.

Our two beginner-level courses—Scratch Programming and Python Programming—run for 8 weeks every Saturday at Metro State University’s Midway Campus. Whether your child is curious about games, apps, or how the internet works, this program is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and develop future-ready tech skills.

Scratch Programming

(Grades 3–6)

Perfect for younger students who are new to technology. Using the block-based coding platform Scratch, students will learn the building blocks of logic, animation, and storytelling.

In this course, your child will:

Create animated stories, games, and simple apps using Scratch
Learn basic coding concepts like loops, sequences, and conditionals
Strengthen math, reading, and critical thinking skills
Collaborate with peers and receive one-on-one guidance as needed
Build confidence as a future tech creator—not just a tech user

Designed for beginners. No previous experience required.

Python Programming

(Grades 6–12)

For older students ready to go deeper, Python introduces real coding syntax used by professionals in app development, web programming, and data science.