What happens when you give 190 kids iPads and the tools to bring their wildest ideas to life? Read on to find out!
This past fall, youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley dove headfirst into our Code & Create program, a 10-week adventure that combined tech and creativity in ways that left us all amazed. These young innovators explored technology as a storytelling tool, using the exceptional resources from Everyone Can Create to dive into topics like pop art to stop motion animation, digital illustration, and audio engineering.
The Challenge: To create a short film showcasing the power of teamwork.
On December 12th, all that hard work paid off. The Code & Create Showcase at Hayes Clubhouse was a film-festival style celebration, where standout participants from each Club debuted their films to an excited crowd of families, peers, and staff. The space was transformed with vibrant blue decorations, setting the perfect atmosphere. The event itself had it all—snacks (popcorn included, of course), a live DJ who played a unique hype song for each participant as they hit the stage, and interactive experience stations where they could explore different activities on the iPads. The energy in the room was electric as the audience cheered on these young creators, who proved just how much creativity and confidence can grow when we give kids the right tools. At the end of the night, each participant was recognized with a certificate and a goody bag packed with fun surprises to celebrate their achievements.
And the feedback? Let’s just say we’re all feeling inspired.
As one member from Hayes Clubhouse put it: "I didn’t think coding would be fun, but after trying it and seeing all the cool things you can make, I want to learn more."
This showcase wasn’t just about films—it was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and imagination.
Want to host an unforgettable Code & Create Showcase? Here’s what we learned:
Set the Stage for Success
A seamless showcase begins with thoughtful planning. Print out clear instructions for interactive stations, plan a snack menu with allergies in mind, and guide participants through stage practice so they feel comfortable presenting. Outline the event flow with a script or agenda, create guest programs, and finalize decorations and room setup ahead of time. If possible, visit the venue in advance to avoid scrambling on the day of the event. The more you prepare, the smoother (and more enjoyable) the showcase will be!
Make it Interactive
A successful showcase is more than a presentation—it’s an experience. Set up interactive stations where guests can explore the tools and techniques participants used, like digital art on iPads, stop-motion animation, or coding games. Let them get hands-on and try it out for themselves! Here are one of the activities we used from Apple Learning Center: "Reveal a Constellation"
Create A Vibrant Atmosphere
Transform the space with colorful decorations that reflect the spirit of your program. Think bold colors, thematic visuals, and plenty of photo ops. Adding elements like a photo booth or a message wall where guests can leave encouraging notes makes it even more personal. Consider a DJ playing upbeat music to keep the energy high and make each moment exciting—like a mini celebration as participants take the stage.
Celebrate Every Achievement
Recognition goes a long way! Make sure to celebrate participants with certificates, awards, or even personalized shout-outs. It’s even more impactful when recognition comes from the instructors who watched their journey unfold. Highlighting their creativity, teamwork, or perseverance makes the moment more meaningful. Don’t forget those fun goody bags packed with cool surprises as a thank-you for their efforts!
How do you celebrate student creativity and innovation?
We’d love to hear how you showcase learners’ work in your own programs! Share your best tips, success stories, and creative ideas in the discussion thread below. Let’s inspire each other to make learning even more engaging and memorable! 🚀✨
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