Breakout Mentors has been helping kids learn to code since 2011, way before almost every strip mall, summer camp, or even online coding provider. We truly have the most knowledge and experience about 1-on-1 kids coding!
The number of student projects and quality over the years is mind blowing. The children we work with are so creative it is inspiring to see. In fact, when most of our students lived in the SF Bay Area, we used to do regular project showcase events.
The projects shared at our in-person events are just a small fraction of the total projects our students have completed over the years. However, it will provide an excellent example of the impressive range of projects.
From simple coding ideas to really cool apps, these projects are like a snapshot of the amazing things kids can do when they learn to code. It’s not just about typing lines of code — it’s about using your imagination and problem-solving skills to create something special.
In this collection, you’ll see how these young coders, with the help of their mentors, have grown and explored the world of coding. Each project is like a little story showing how much these kids can achieve with the right guidance.
Showcase Event Format
The format of the showcase events has changed a bit over the years, depending upon the venue and participants. Our aim is to create a low-pressure environment, with several different ways kids could participate.
We encouraged everyone to give a 3-5 minute presentation or demo of their project in front of the whole group. But if that was too uncomfortable, they could also participate by just creating a poster like at a science fair. Or if they didn’t want to share anything, but wanted to be inspired by what others made, that is fine as well.
The events themselves were split into 30 to 45 minutes of presentations, followed by 30 to 45 minutes of roaming around the room. It is during this time that the attendees can actually plan student created video games and ask how they made it. Often the students have poster boards they made as well.
We have hosted the events in many different venues throughout the years: a VC firm, Los Altos library, Palo Alto library, and Berkeley library. Let’s take a look at the inspiring showcases!
2014 Inaugural Breakout Mentors Project Showcase
In 2014, Breakout Mentors celebrated a significant milestone with its Inaugural Project Showcase, providing a platform for young talents to display their coding prowess and innovative projects. This event marked a culmination of dedicated learning, mentorship, and the application of coding skills by students under the guidance of Breakout Mentors.
The showcase not only highlighted the technical achievements of these young coders but also showcased the diversity of projects that emerged from their creativity. Ranging from fundamental coding concepts to more advanced applications, the 2014 Project Showcase demonstrated the depth and breadth of what young minds can accomplish when empowered with coding knowledge.
The event started with 6 students giving a three to five minute talk and demo of their creation. The pride each student had in their project was clearly evident, as well as the effort put into preparing for the short talk. The projects ranged from classic 2-D Java and Python games to an Android app and live website. The diversity of projects shows that there isn’t just one path to a computer programming education – the possibilities are limitless!
Following the demos was a chance to try out the different projects. Each student had a station with their laptop and a poster board, similar to a science fair. In addition to the 6 students that gave a live presentation, another 5 kids opted to participate in just the poster board segment.
The amount of mingling was perhaps the most gratifying aspect of the event. The kids were genuinely interested in trying the other projects and learning how they were done. The parents in attendance also viewed projects, which gave the students a lot of practice explaining their work and answering questions.
Looking back at the 2014 Inaugural Breakout Mentors Project Showcase allows us to appreciate the strides made by these young learners, the guidance provided by their mentors, and the vision of Breakout Mentors in fostering a space where coding becomes a tool for unleashing creativity and solving real-world problems. It set the stage for future showcases, each promising new insights, innovations, and the continued growth of the Breakout Mentors community.
2015 Student Showcase
In 2015, Breakout Mentors proudly hosted its Student Showcase, an event that shone a spotlight on the incredible accomplishments and creative endeavors of young coding enthusiasts. This showcase was a testament to the dedication of both students and mentors, highlighting the progress made and the innovative projects that emerged from the coding journeys of these young minds.
The 2015 Student Showcase provided a platform for students to share their coding projects, ranging from imaginative and beginner-friendly creations to more sophisticated applications. Each project reflected not only the technical skills acquired but also the unique perspectives and interests of the participating students.
Our students working with 1-on-1 programming mentors have made some fun projects over the year. We had our second annual Student Showcase event in early June, where they could share a project and see what other kids have made. Imagine a science fair with optional 3-minute presentations.
Nearly 20 Breakout Mentors students were in attendance, and a wide array of projects. The students ranged from 8 to 15 years old and from 2 months of coding experience to 4 years. The projects ranged from simple drag-and-drop games to college-level Computer Science algorithms.
All the attendees came away thoroughly impressed, not just with the coding ability of the students but also with the creativity of the projects. No two were alike, and you could tell these projects weren’t the result of everyone going through a standard tutorial. The kids brainstormed feature ideas and fun graphics to create their unique projects.
It is a valuable experience for kids to share something they created of which they are proud. But equally as important, they were exposed to many different types of programming and saw first-hand where they could go if they kept learning to code. There is a daunting gap between where they currently are and Google, the Student Showcase was an opportunity to see their own peers with slightly more programming experience.
2016 Berkeley Student Showcase
On April 16th we hosted our first Student Showcase in Berkeley. The event gives Breakout Mentors students a chance to share what they have created with the help of their mentor. Imagine a science fair just for kids who code!
This year marked the first time we split it into separate events – first in Berkeley and upcoming in Los Altos. Even though only three kids presented their projects, they exemplified the wide range of Breakout Mentors students:
- Pig Latin Translater presentation by 12 year-old girl in Scratch
- Algorithm Programming Problems presentation by 14 year-old in Python
- Wacky Wizard Hat game presentation by 12 year-old boy in Scratch
2016 Kids Coding Project Showcase in Los Altos
In 2016, the vibrant community of young coders in Los Altos took center stage as Breakout Mentors hosted the Kids Coding Project Showcase. This event marked a spectacular exhibition of creativity, innovation, and the coding prowess of elementary and middle school students under the guidance of Breakout Mentors.
The projects featured in the 2016 showcase were a testament to these young participants’ diverse interests and talents. Ranging from imaginative games to practical applications, each project told a story of exploration and learning in coding. The showcase celebrated the technical accomplishments and emphasized the problem-solving skills and collaborative spirit fostered by Breakout Mentors.
As parents, mentors, and the broader community gathered to witness the showcase, the excitement in the air was palpable. The 2016 Kids Coding Project Showcase was more than just a display of coding projects; it reflected the growth and enthusiasm cultivated within the Breakout Mentors program.
Our showcase in Los Altos featured a dozen kids ages 9 through 14. The kids ranged from just a few months of programming experience to several years. The technologies ranged from drag-and-drop Scratch to traditional languages like Python to augmented reality. This variety really shows how the mentor can customize the approach for each student.
Here are a few of the presentations:
- 12 year-old programmed Hangman game in Python presentation
- 14 year-old girl programmed Breakout game in Python presentation
- 10 year-old girl programmed Food Invaders game in Scratch presentation
- 10 year-old girl programmed Chatbot project in Scratch presentation
2017 Breakout Mentors Student Showcase
The 2017 Student Showcase featured an impressive array of projects, ranging from imaginative games to practical applications, demonstrating the diverse interests and skills of the participating students. Beyond the lines of code, each project represented a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, and technical proficiency, showcasing the holistic development fostered by Breakout Mentors.
Our showcase spotlighted ten remarkable kids, aged 9 through 14, who showcased their coding prowess. What made this showcase truly special was the diverse range of experiences among the participants—some had just a couple of months of programming under their belts, while others boasted several years of coding experience.
The technologies on display were just as diverse as the kids themselves. From the user-friendly drag-and-drop interface of Scratch to the more traditional languages like Java, and even delving into the realm of 3-D game programming in Unity, the projects demonstrated a spectrum of coding languages and platforms. This rich variety emphasized the flexibility and adaptability of our mentors, who skillfully customized their approaches to meet each student’s unique needs and aspirations.
Parents, mentors, and attendees were treated to a glimpse of the future as they explored the showcase, witnessing firsthand the passion and dedication of these young innovators. The event served as a testament to the positive impact of mentorship and the supportive community that Breakout Mentors continues to nurture.
Reflecting on the 2017 Student Showcase not only allows us to appreciate the individual achievements of these young coders but also underscores the broader mission of Breakout Mentors – to inspire a lifelong love for learning and creativity through coding. This showcase was a momentous occasion, symbolizing the continued success and growth of the Breakout Mentors community in empowering the next generation of tech-savvy innovators.
2018 Student Showcase
The 2018 showcase in Los Altos was a huge success – 6 students presented and exemplified how personalized Breakout Mentors is for each student.
The ages of the presenters ranged from 8 to 15. The projects were coded in Java, Python, Scratch, and HTML / CSS / JavaScript.
The variety of the projects was truly impressive:
- A 13-year-old pulled information from ESPN to analyze the best players for his fantasy football team
- An 11-year-old made a multi-level Mouse Maze with traps and moving obstacles
- A 15-year-old made an evolution simulation that uses a neural network “brain” to find food
- A 12-year-old made a beautiful interactive art project featuring a tiger in a randomly generated terrain
Here are some presentations you can watch together with your kid!
- 11 year old’s coding project – Mouse maze in Python
- 15 year old’s coding project – Evolution simulation using neural net in Java
- 12 year old’s coding project – Tigerland interactive art in Scratch
- 13 year old’s coding project – Fantasy football optimizer in Java
- 12 year old’s coding project – Snake game in Java
- 8 year old’s coding project – Website with Hangman in JavaScript
Want Your Kids To Experience These Coding Projects
During the COVID pandemic we stopped hosting in-person coding project showcases. However, we continue to hold them once a year online. It is a wonderful opportunity to gain inspiration from an impressive group of young people.
If you’re ready for your kids to embark on an engaging coding journey and create innovative projects like those showcased, look no further! Our program offers a personalized and enriching experience for children aged 9 through 14, tailored to their unique interests and skill levels.
Why Choose Us?
- Dedicated mentors for individualized learning.
- Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced young coders.
- Explore diverse technologies, from user-friendly platforms like Scratch to advanced languages such as Java and 3-D game programming with Unity.
What Your Kids Will Gain:
- Unleash creativity through hands-on coding projects.
- Develop problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.
- Have fun while learning valuable tech skills for the future.
Take advantage of this opportunity to spark your child’s passion for coding! Enroll them in our program today and let their coding adventure begin. The future of innovation starts here!