Coding rookies, programming enthusiasts, and computer scientists of all ages are invited to join together virtually to make history in an attempt to set a Guinness Worlds Record title. The Michigan Accelerate Computer Science (MACS) is hosting this virtual coding event to bring together participants for a free, 30-minute computer programming lesson.

Created for K-12 students, this event welcomes adult participants and volunteers. Attendees will have the same 24 hours to log in and complete the coding lesson, in an attempt to set the official record for the most users to take an online computer programming lesson within 24 hours. The 24-hour window for this official world record attempt starts at 8 a.m. on Friday, December 11 and ends at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 12. Register online here by Dec. 4.

The virtual event, which takes place during Computer Science Education Week, is designed to help participants learn or refresh JavaScript programming language using the online app builder called Bitsbox. While the program is suitable for all ages, the coding lesson itself was designed at the middle school level and requires basic computer skills. Only 500 participants are required to set this the Guinness World Records title, but the MACS hopes to bring together over 2,000 participants.

A testament to the innovative spirit and resiliency of Detroiters, this virtual event was launched after the coronavirus pandemic halted Coding for Kids, a K-12 computer science program for Michigan youth previously held at Little Caesars Arena.

“Moving from ‘canceled coding camp’ to “Let’s break a world coding record!’  exemplifies Wayne State’s commitment to the genius of our communities’ students – and is just the kind of innovation imagination the STEM Innovation Learning Center strives to embody. We are proud to partner with such great organizations to create this event centered around  equitable access and radical engagement in computer science to students in Detroit and beyond,” said Dr. Tonya Matthews, associate provost for inclusive workforce development and director of the STEM Innovation Learning Center.

The MACS virtual event is a joint effort led by the MACS collaborative, which includes Wayne State University , Accelerate4KIDS™, AccelerateKID®, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, WhooSaid, and Detroit Public Schools Community District. It is sponsored by Google, Oakland Schools Education Foundation, Oakland County, the One Stop Shop Business Center, and Kerr Russell.

"We've turned a challenge into an opportunity, and the mission to educate and inspire children cannot be halted. This new virtual format not only allows us to compete for a record, but to offer this free lesson to even more people - it will truly be a celebration of computer science and the power of community," said Thanh Tran, executive director of Accelerate4KIDS. 

To learn more, visit miacceleratecs.com

For frequently asked questions, including information for parents and teachers, visit miacceleratecs.com/faq