Code2College is working to increase diversity among those working in STEM careers, according to CEO Matt Stephenson. “Code2College is solving the national crisis that we’re facing with the dearth of, not only tech talent, but diverse technical talent,” says Stephenson.

WorkingNation sat down with Stephenson at SXSW EDU in Austin.

With a particular focus on students at the high school level, Stephenson says it’s important for young people to know the access to opportunity is there.

The afterschool program, which started in Austin, is currently available in 19 cities – in what Stephenson calls, “middle cities” – including Denver, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.

Among Code2College’s offerings – afterschool coding sessions, professional development workshops, and paid summer internships.

Stephenson says the organization is “agnostic” regarding the postsecondary goals of its students. “The overwhelming majority of students who graduate from high school and have taken our program do go on to college, but others take a gap year.”

He continues, “We have other students who choose to go straight into the workforce and we support all of them in their aspirations.”

Learn more about Code2College.