Youth Programmatic Thinking
Your Child Can Do More Than Use Technology. They Can Learn to Build It.
About Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT)
Youth Programmatic Thinking (Youth PT is an eight-week, hands-on coding program where students in grades 3–12 learn programming, strengthen problem-solving skills and discover what they can create with technology.
Fall 2026 | Saturdays Starting September 26
Saint Paul College | St. Paul, Minnesota
Limited seats available. There is no cost to families.
APPLY FOR FALL 2026
Build Coding Skills. Build Skills For Life.
Learning to code is about more than learning a programming language.
As students work through challenges, create projects and figure out why something isn't working, they're also practicing critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, persistence and confidence.
Youth Programmatic Thinking gives students an environment where they can learn, experiment, make mistakes, solve problems and keep building.
And they don't have to come in already knowing how to code.
TWO WAYS TO LEARN
Start Where You Are. Build From There.
Students are placed into a learning environment based on their age, experience and skill level.
SCRATCH (Grades 3 - 6)
A Starting Point for New Coders
Scratch introduces students to the fundamentals of coding through visual, block-based programming.
Instead of simply playing games and interacting with technology, students begin understanding the logic behind how digital experiences are created.
Students practice:
Programming fundamentals
Sequencing and logic
Problem-solving
Creative thinking
Building interactive projects
No previous coding experience is required.
PYTHON (Grades 6 - 12)
Ready to Go Further?
Python introduces students to text-based programming and gives developing coders an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of how computer programs are written.
Students practice:
Writing and understanding code
Programming logic
Breaking larger problems into smaller steps
Testing and troubleshooting
Building increasingly complex projects
Placement is based on the student's age, experience and skill level. Families do not need to determine the appropriate class on their own.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Fall 2026 Youth Programmatic Thinking
Who: Students in grades 3–12
What: Eight-week in-person coding program
Courses: Scratch and Python
When: Saturdays Starting September 26, 2026
Where: Saint Paul College, St. Paul, MN
Cost to Families: $0
READY TO SEE WHAT YOUR CHILD CAN BUILD?
Applications for the Fall 2026 Youth Programmatic Thinking are now open.
Give your student eight Saturdays to learn new skills, solve problems, create with technology and discover what they're capable of building.
Classes begin Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Saint Paul College.
APPLY FOR FALL 2026
Explore Other Opportunities
Our programs are built for real life. We offer small class sizes, project-based learning, and a flexible format that includes in-person and virtual sessions. In-person classes are held at trusted community locations like university campuses, local nonprofits, and online depending on space and season.
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High School Technology Program (Online)
Students in grades 9th -12th build websites, apps, and solve problems with code.
Class Begins February 2027.
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High School Computer Competition
Top HSTP students train and compete at BDPA’s annual tech championship.