A New Chapter for 9 Dots
Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Supporters,
As you know 9 Dots is committed to providing Title 1 elementary schools with everything they need to implement an inclusive and transformative CS education program, including an innovative curriculum and a platform that tracks student progress. Like all educational organizations, we have faced tremendous challenges due to COVID-19. In an effort to make sure we can continue to provide excellent computer science classes remotely and then as we transition back to in person teaching we have decided to focus all of our energy on Get Coding, our in school program.
As our focus has narrowed to Get Coding, it is with great pleasure that I tell you that Alexis Cabrera will become our new Executive Director. Alexis started at 9 Dots as a coding coordinator teaching in our classrooms. She was an impact manager working with principals of half our schools and most recently has been Get Coding’s program director. Alexis has shown sincere dedication to our students and our schools. Some of you will have been lucky enough to have had her teaching in your class. During this past year, her commitment was taken to new levels as she took on the responsibility of converting our in person Get Coding program to a remote learning experience for students. Many of you are also unlikely to know that Alexis has worked on data analysis over the last year to understand where our programs can improve. Looking ahead, Alexis has plans to refine our support for teachers, engage more students, and ensure that our program is empowering all of our students. I could fill a page singing her praises and couldn’t be more thrilled that she is stepping into this role.
For the last month I have been working closely with Alexis to support her in transitioning into her new role. I have joined the 9 Dots board of directors so look forward to continuing my support for the organization.
Even though we are working remotely for the 2020-21 school year, we are serving 90% of the schools we served last year. Last year we reached 6500 students and this year we are reaching 8000. I believe this speaks to the high quality of our product and services, as well as the powerful relationships with our partner teachers and administrators—partnerships Alexis has nurtured in her previous roles.
9 Dots looks forward to exploring new ways of delivering impactful CS learning experiences, supporting teachers in their own CS learning journey, and continuing to build students’ sense of identity and belonging in the CS classroom - no matter what their prior level of experience is - while increasing student engagement and achievement.
Alexis’ experience at all levels of the Get Coding program makes her the perfect leader for guiding 9 Dots through this next stage.
I’d like to personally thank every student, teacher, principal, donor and partner for being a part of this ongoing effort to build a future where every child has the CS knowledge and passion they need to understand, succeed in – and ultimately shape – our increasingly technology infused world. Technology won’t benefit all of society equally until it is created by people who reflect the diverse world we live in.
I look forward to supporting Alexis and 9 Dots in the coming years.
Best,
Amy Iorio
Board Member, 9 Dots Board of Directors