How We Started
Growing up, I saw firsthand how uneven access to technology holds brilliant kids back. While tech drives modern opportunity, underfunded youth programs are often left without the tools to teach it. I started Code4Change because a child's zip code should never determine whether they get to build the future or just watch it happen.
Nowadays, technology has been more important than ever. By introducing hardware and coding concepts early, we are establishing a stronger foundation for children moving forward. Byte to byte, we elevate young minds and strive to empower the next generation of innovators.
I still remember the exact moment technology went from something intimidating to something I knew I could master. Watching a child successfully wire batteries, solder their first board, or light up an LED for the first time brings that same spark of confidence.
Our Core Principles
Hands-On from Day 1: No 45-minute lectures. We learnt that kids work best through trial-and-error. (I’ve had this experience first-hand). We put hardware in students' hands within the first five minutes of every workshop.
Demystifying Tech: Technology isn't magic—it's logic. We break down complex engineering concepts into digestible, playful experiments for children to get their hands on.
Peer-to-Peer Empowerment: Mentors work alongside students to troubleshoot errors together, modeling how real software engineers work!
About the Founder!
Code4Change was founded by Abigail Chan, a builder and technology advocate passionate about making STEM education accessible to every young mind.
Growing up, Abigail discovered early on how transformative it is to move from simply consuming technology to physically creating it. That initial "Aha!" moment—writing a first line of code and seeing hardware react in real time after debugging for who knows how long — instilled a lifelong confidence that went far beyond computer science.
However, Abigail also recognized a stark reality: millions of bright, creative kids in underfunded communities never get that same spark because of the lack of opportunity. Without access to hands-on hardware, modern tools, or technical mentors, their potential often goes untapped.
Determined to bridge this access gap, Abigail started Code4Change. Rather than offering abstract lectures that may challenge children’s attention spans, the goal was simple and direct: bring physical hardware, real-world coding concepts, and dedicated mentorship directly into youth organizations—completely free of charge to families.
Today, Abigail leads Code4Change’s mission to demystify technology, designing hands-on workshop experiences where kids don't just learn about the future but actively build it, byte by byte.
Where We’re Headed 🌟
Code4Change started as a local initiative to bring hardware to kids in need. Our goal is to scale our workshop kits to 50+ community centers and establish a permanent Hardware Kit Library, allowing partner organizations to borrow and re-use STEM gear year-round. Every workshop brings us one step closer to ensuring that no child’s potential is limited by their access to technology.