How CODE313’s afterschool STEAM programs are building futures

Photo credit: CODE313

By Lauryn Herron, Assistant to eXperience Director, CODE313.

From early curiosity to career pathways in Detroit

CODE313 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating equitable access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education for young people across Metro Detroit. Through hands-on learning, real-world technology experiences, and year-round afterschool programming, CODE313 ensures that scholars from all backgrounds have opportunities to explore emerging technologies and discover their potential.

At CODE313, education goes beyond traditional instruction. Rather than relying solely on lectures or textbooks, scholars are immersed in experiential learning where they build, design, experiment, and solve problems together. Whether students are flying drones, coding their first game, or designing virtual worlds, the goal is the same: empower young people to become confident creators in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

As the demand for future-ready skills continues to grow, programs like CODE313 help bridge the gap between traditional education and the modern workforce by introducing students to advanced technologies early in their learning journey.

Afterschool learning that expands possibilities

A key part of CODE313’s impact comes through its afterschool programming. Operating in multiple schools and community spaces across Metro Detroit and continuing to expand into surrounding communities, these programs give students access to technology-focused learning experiences that may not always be available during the traditional school day.

Afterschool sessions are designed to be highly interactive, allowing scholars to explore emerging technologies through hands-on projects and collaborative challenges. Students engage in activities such as robotics engineering, virtual and augmented reality development, drone simulation and flight training, app and game development, coding, and digital media creation.

CODE313 also integrates music production and creative arts into many of its programs, reinforcing the “A” in STEAM and encouraging students to explore both technical and artistic forms of expression.

These experiences do more than teach technical skills, they build confidence, strengthen teamwork, and develop problem-solving abilities that benefit students far beyond the classroom. Most importantly, they provide equitable access to advanced technology tools for scholars who may not otherwise have opportunities to explore these fields.

From scholars to leaders

For CODE313, success is measured not only by participation but by long-term growth. Over time, many scholars who began in the program as curious learners have continued their journeys into leadership roles and technology careers.

The stories of Joevell Arnold, Davontay Delacerda, and Noah Rivers represent the lasting impact that can happen when young people are given access, mentorship, and opportunities to explore their interests.

Joevell Arnold first discovered his passion for coding at 16 while attending West Side Academy in Detroit. Encouraged by his teacher Judi Dent through the school’s TEALS program, Joevell’s talent quickly developed into a career path.

After graduating early from high school, he completed multiple internships with Microsoft and gained valuable experience in the tech industry. Today, at just 23 years old, Joevell serves as a STEAM Engineer Instructor and Lead Instructor at CODE313, mentoring the same age group he once belonged to.

Davontay Delacerda joined CODE313’s Youth Part 107 Drone Program at 17 years old. Through dedication and persistence, he successfully earned his FAA Part 107 Certification while still a teenager, an achievement many professionals spend years pursuing.

Today, Davontay works as a professional drone pilot, collaborating with CODE313 and companies such as Aerial Loop. He is now working toward launching his own drone business.

Noah Rivers first joined CODE313 at age 15 through a partnership with The Yunion. What started as an opportunity to learn new skills soon became a pathway toward leadership.

Now 19, Noah serves as an Assistant Instructor with CODE313, helping support programs while continuing to develop his engineering and technology expertise.

Their journeys began at different times but share one common starting point: early access to STEAM education in an environment that believed in their potential.

Programs like CODE313 show that students do not have to wait until college to begin exploring technology careers. When young people are given access, mentorship, and opportunities to lead, they begin to see themselves as innovators capable of shaping the future.

Impact that lasts

Through afterschool programming, community partnerships, and hands-on learning experiences, CODE313 continues to create pathways for young people across Metro Detroit to explore technology, creativity, and leadership.

By expanding access to STEAM education and fostering environments where curiosity thrives, CODE313 is helping ensure that the next generation of innovators reflects the communities they come from and the future they are ready to build.