Pandemic Update
In this time of social distancing all Dojo activities are currently on pause. If you and yours are industrious and independent minded, have a look in our Katas section to find workouts from our archive. Until are younger coders are able to get vaccinated, we are not likely to meet in person. There is the option to attempt virtual sessions. But I think many of us have grown weary of that solution. Reach out if you want the Dojo to try to organize some online sessions. Past experience suggests we will be successful with a group from 1 to 12 or 15. As always if you have questions email the dojo at strickey[at]startfield.org.
What is CodeDojo?
CoderDojo is a movement oriented around running free, not-for-profit, coding clubs for young people.
At CoderDojo NOVA, young people learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and more. Our local chapter is set up and run by volunteers. The Dojo makes development and learning to code a fun, sociable, and cool experience. Think of the Dojo as more of a club than a school. While your child will learn coding skills. They will also learn so much more. We emphasize peer mentoring and self directed learning.
We put a strong emphasis on using open source and free software tools to maximize our ability to reach all interested coders! Being a part of the international CoderDojo organization, we enjoy a strong network of members and volunteers from the global community.
Our current (pandemic) location:
Your house!
Our former location:
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale Campus
8333 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003
Thomas Debass (@debass) and Gelila Teshome (@GelilaAmare) co-founded CoderDojo Nova in 2013, driven by their desire to expose their three daughters the universal language of the future: coding. We’ve now grown to host biweekly workshops with dozens of youth, and reach over 200 families across the Northern Virginia area.
We are a program of the 501(c)3 non-profit Startfield; and we are an independent chapter, unaffiliated with any other organizations such as CoderDojo DC or CoderDojo USA.
Moto
CoderNova has just one rule: “Above All: Be Cool”, bullying, lying, wasting people’s time and so on is uncool.
Mentors
CoderNova is made possible by an awesome set of partners, parents, and mentors. If you would like to join us, please email us at coderdojonova@gmail.com.
Lead Mentor Steve 
Mentor Chris
Mentor Alumni
Mentor Michelle 
Mentor David 
Mentor Patrick 
Mentor Al 
Mentor Anteneh 
Mentor Jason 
Mentor Zerai 
Mentor George 
Mentor Nathan 
Mentor Samson 
Mentor Evan
Partners/Supporters
CoderDojo NOVA is supported by SySTEMic Solutions which provides a venue and other critical support to run the program.
