Recent research puts coding at the forefront of future careers. By the end of 2019, 2.4 million STEM jobs were projected to go unfilled. Between 2017 and 2027, the number of STEM jobs will grow 13%, compared to 9 percent for non-STEM jobs- with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way. Currently Only 35% of all high school grads are ready to take college-level science courses, 74% of middle school girls express interest interest in STEM but only 0.3% choose computer science as a major,and African-American and Latino workers also now represent 29% of the general workforce population but just 16% of the advanced manufacturing workforce, 15 percent of the computing workforce and 12 percent of the engineering workforce. As a result of these factors as well as others there is a need for coding programs for students.

Kentucky State University 4-H Jefferson Co. partnered with Guttermuth Elementary school to offer Coding with Ozobots to their  Kindergarten team of 3 classes serving 75 students from 6 different nationalities for 6 weeks. Coding with Ozobots helps kids to learn brand new, in depth learning experience by using a a Ozobot(small robot) to encourage students to be creative with visual coding with lines and colors they can touch.Using The Coding with Ozobots program, kids were able to to collaboratively build skills they can apply in the real world, get comfortable with introduction to coding, innovative problem solving and interactive exploration using a tiny robot.   Through the 6 weeks students were able to learn through research based  hands on activities that allowed them to learn coding in a fun way.

As a result of the Coding program at Guttermuth students were able to learn: computational skills, problem solving skills, career opportunities in coding,creativity, and improve math skills. The students through pictures evaluated program and made several comments on how they loved working with the Ozobots, learning how to code and writing codes using markers.  The teachers assisting with program stated that they noticed serious growth in the kids especially the students who had been struggling in reading, math, or struggling with behavior problems but excelled in the Coding with Ozobots program and would like for it continue for the rest of the year.  Kentucky State University 4-h will continue its partnership with Guttermuth Elementary.