Staff Spotlight: Oscar Vanegas, Head of Product

Oscar Vanegas, Head of Product

“I want to continue making learning fun and give our students a menu of opportunities so that they can have a taste of what they can do with their life.” 

What about the mission convinced you to join the 9 Dots team?

Before 9 Dots, I was a 6th grade science teacher. I started to take online computer science courses and discovered a new passion. The position at 9 Dots allowed me to combine my love for Computer Science with my professional expertise as a teacher to help develop curriculum for what is now our Get Coding program. 

How has your connection to the mission evolved over time?

I’ve been at 9 Dots for 7 years now. At first, I was following a new passion, but I’ve come to realize that I can have an actual impact in the CS space. For me, it's about who we serve, I see myself in the kids we teach. I want to continue making learning fun and give our students a menu of opportunities so that they can have a taste of what they can do with their life. 

What do you think is the biggest impact or lesson 9 Dots has on students?

Get Coding teaches students how to be resilient. Our curriculum can be challenging, but there is so much satisfaction in sticking through the lessons and finishing each lesson. If students learn how to be resilient, they can find a solution to any problem they may face.