(BPRW) Harlem Globetrotters + Microsoft = The Harlem CODEtrotters; The STEM tech Coding Curriculum Launches Today With Focus on Black and Brown Youth Communities

(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With a commitment in advancing excellence in tech education and empowering Black and Brown youth communities, Microsoft and the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters today unveil The Harlem CODEtrotters, it was announced today by Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios and Darrell Booker, Microsoft, Corporate Affairs Specialist.

The Harlem CODEtrotters is a coding curriculum and web-based accessible platform. It’s designed, and developed, for underserved elementary and middle-school students of color in order to bridge the educational gap that many face throughout the school year. The microsite will introduce basketball-themed programming fused with cutting-edge technology, including coding fundamentals, AI skilling; serving as an engaging curriculum tool inspired by the Harlem Globetrotters' brand.

“Our Goodwill Ambassador Initiative focuses our CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) efforts around the strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education and Community Empowerment,” said Dawkins. “We have found, in Microsoft, a best-in-class partner who aligns with our mission and is committed to using its scale and technology to enhance and empower not only the communities that we serve, but that many of our players have historically come from.”

Students will learn coding skills in a fun and engaging way as they code (and create) a Harlem Globetrotter player dribbling down the court whilst answering Harlem Globetrotters Trivia. For every correct answer, they advance forward reaching the ultimate basketball goal to shoot the game winning shot! All materials are available online (web-based microsite) to make it convenient for educators, facilitators and students to access any time.

“Despite the fact that more than 80 percent of Black and Latinx teens enjoy playing video games, they account for only 15 percent of the gaming industry,” said Booker. “The Harlem Globetrotters brand, in collaboration with our Microsoft MakeCode and Community Training platforms, provides inclusive opportunities for acquiring essential computer science skills in a culturally relevant manner.”