Mission
We aim to interrupt and counteract existing gender, racial, and socioeconomic gaps in computing by equipping youth and educators with the knowledge, skills, and support to create with technology.
Vision
Inspire equitable computer science learning to transform the future for good.
Our Core Values
Inclusivity
We maintain a focus on inclusive practices that interrupt and counteract gender, racial, and economic bias and create a welcoming environment for all learners.
Diversity
We believe in the importance of students and educators coming together with a variety of backgrounds because tomorrow’s tech professionals need to be reflective of all our communities.
Community
We nurture networks of learners to create a supportive community for change.
Empowerment
We believe the next generation of computer science professionals is already in all of our communities. When provided with the resources and mentorship unavailable in a traditional school setting, they’ll be empowered to transform the world.
Curiosity
We encourage students and educators alike to pursue the answers to “Why?”, “How?”, and “What if…?” Sometimes the smallest questions can lead to big ideas.
Creativity
We believe there is more than one way to approach a problem, and that the most impactful ideas are the ones that stand apart from the crowd.
Our History
Code Savvy was founded by Rebecca Schatz, a serial entrepreneur in the nonprofit space. In addition to Code Savvy, she founded The Works hands-on museum of engineering and was the catalyst behind Technovation Girls Minnesota. She passed away in 2015.
Rebecca touched so many people during her vibrant, innovative, and inspiring life. She left a sustainable and lasting legacy to encourage kids and teens to explore their curiosity, learn coding and creative problem solving, and support the volunteers, family members, and mentors who make it happen.
Rebecca built systems and organizations, and more importantly, she engaged others to participate in the process. She knew that change is the work of many, and she inspired everyone to stretch, grow, and develop themselves. Her outreach was inherently about inclusion, helping kids see new models and pathways to pursue their own passions, dreams, and careers in new and accessible ways. Rebecca brought passion and a focused commitment to inspire our youth to explore and discover engineering, science, and coding in hands-on environments.
In early July 2015, Code Savvy appointed Jean Weiss as Executive Director to carry forward Rebecca’s vision and continue building a more diverse new generation of coders and creators.
Since then, Code Savvy has continued to grow and evolve through new leadership, expanded programming, and deeper community partnerships. Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Christina Llamas, Code Savvy continues its mission of creating inclusive opportunities in computer science for youth and educators across Minnesota.
Our Impact
2025 Impact Report
Explore Code Savvy’s 2025 Impact Report to learn more about our programs, partnerships, and the communities we supported throughout the year.
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