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In August 2016, V School was recognized with the UServeUtah Power of Service Award for its exceptional work on the Refugee Coding Project, which provides refugee youth with computer science and coding skills that create pathways to future educational and professional opportunities. The award was presented by Mark Thomas, Chief Deputy of the Lieutenant Governor’s office, UServeUtah Commission Chair Kris Hamlet, and Director LaDawn Stoddard at the Utah State Capitol. Victor Villa accepted the award on behalf of V School.
For several months, volunteers like Victor Villa and Mo Reeder have been teaching refugee youth coding, offering them valuable technical skills that lead to internships and professional mentorships. Utah, home to over 60,000 refugees, has greatly benefited from this initiative, which supports the integration of refugee communities by providing educational opportunities and access to quality employment.
Villa, of V School, and Reeder, of Utah Open Source, are key leaders of the project. Villa spearheaded efforts to refurbish computers, ensuring that each student could take home their own computer to practice coding. Reeder mobilized his team to develop a marketing strategy that helped attract volunteers and partners, including Adobe, Cotopaxi, Goldman Sachs, Westminster College, and the Department of Workforce Services.
The Refugee Coding Project has already seen success, with several students securing internships and being paired with professional mentors. Villa and Reeder continue to lead the program, providing real pathways to jobs and shaping the project’s future.
This recognition highlights the incredible impact V School and its volunteers have had on empowering refugee youth, helping them build brighter futures through technology.
