Codology Wins Riley's Way Call For Kindness National Grant

Neal Chopra, the founder and executive director of Codology, has just won the national Call For Kindness competition sponsored by Riley’s Way Foundation that encourages young leaders to apply for grants that fund initiatives that strengthen their communities and inspire kindness.

Codology is a technology education nonprofit organization dedicated to making computer science and technology education accessible to all students, regardless of their background or financial situation. The organization was founded in 2022 by Chopra, a high school student who saw a need for more comprehensive computer science education in schools.

“I founded Codology because I saw firsthand the disparity in technology education between schools. A lot of my peers and their siblings were interested in coding, but didn’t know how to start,” Chopra explains.

One of the key ways that Codology is achieving its mission is by creating a comprehensive curriculum for students at all levels. This curriculum is designed to teach students the fundamental principles of computer science, as well as important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

With Codology, students are able to learn the theoretical concepts of computer science, then apply them in practical and real-world scenarios through project-based learning. This approach allows students to think critically about technology, and to apply that thinking to create innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Through its commitment to equity and inclusion, Codology is not only changing the way students learn about technology, but also helping to create a more just and equitable society. The impact of their work will be felt for generations to come, as the students they reach continue to innovate and shape the future. With the Call For Kindness grant, this impact will be accentuated.

The national Call For Kindness Competition builds on Riley’s Way’s work to invest in a youth-led kindness movement, providing young people with the programs, support and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers. To date, Riley’s Way has awarded hundreds of inspiring young leaders across the country with up to $3,000 each to fund their projects. In addition to funding, Chopra will join the Riley’s Way Fellowship, consisting of mentorship, professional development, and peer-learning.

 “The 2023 Call For Kindness winners reflect critical issues top of mind for young people today,” shared Dr. Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of Riley’s Way. “Codology has exemplified our values at Riley’s Way. Now more than ever, tech education is becoming essential for young people, and Codology has been at the forefront of providing such education. Through their innovative programs and initiatives, they have empowered young individuals to develop valuable coding skills, fostering digital literacy and equipping them for the future."

"I'm incredibly grateful to be one of the 40 people in the country selected for the Riley's Way Call For Kindness National Grant," said Chopra. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at Codology, as well as the impact we have made in our communities."

"The Call For Kindness inspires and draws in exceptionally gifted young leaders who are driven by a deep passion to make the world a better place," expressed Ian Sandler, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Riley's Way. "These remarkable young leaders hold the key to tackling the world's most pressing issues, and we believe that by investing in them, we can help them turn their ideas into reality. Whether they are just beginning to explore their ideas or have advanced plans, we strive to support and encourage them to imagine a better future and work tirelessly toward it."

With the support of this grant, we will be able to scale our programs, reach more underserved communities, and empower even more individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age. On behalf of the Codology team, a big thank you to the Riley's Way Foundation for believing in us and the work we do. We can't wait to see what the future holds!