Media Contact
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291

(Miami, FL – April 25, 2018) The Miami‑Dade Public Library System has teamed up with Tynker, a game‑based platform that is teaching more than 60 million kids how to code, for a one‑day Coding for Kids Hackathon on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The event will take place simultaneously inside the YOUmake Miami makerspaces at the West Kendall and Miami Beach Regional Libraries and the YOUmedia Miami teen tech spaces at the North Dade and South Dade Regional Libraries.

A hackathon is an open, playground‑style event that allows kids to engage in a number of projects within a given time period often focused on big problems around a specific theme. In this case, the theme is Earth Day: “Saving the Planet with Code.” Kids will learn about environmental awareness and how to care for our planet. The MDPLS hackathon will be guided by Tynker Blue Ribbon educators—Florida teachers who are highly skilled in teaching kids to code using Tynker’s platform.

“We’re pleased that our digital learning spaces are providing opportunities, such as this coding event we’re presenting with Tynker, for kids throughout Miami‑Dade County to experience enhanced technology programs in a library setting,” said Library Director Ray Baker.

“More and more, leading library systems like Miami‑Dade are providing access to Tynker because they understand that computer science literacy is a skill that will benefit kids both in and out of the classroom,” said Daniel Rezac, Education Community Manager for Tynker. “As one of the largest library systems in the country, MDPLS is the perfect partner to enable a large number of kids to become future ‘makers’ through these fun and collaborative events.”

Students ages 8 to 18 years can register for the hackathon by contacting the library location directly or by emailing moorem@mdpls.org. For a list of library locations and contact information, visit www.mdpls.org and click on “Find a Branch.”

About the Miami‑Dade Public Library System
The Miami‑Dade Public Library System, a recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service and several National Association of Counties Achievement Awards, serves as a community center and learning place where the Miami Dade community meets to exchange ideas, learn, share and create. MDPLS strives to ensure that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, will be enriched through access to materials, technology, programs, and art and culture so they may develop the skills they need to create and produce innovations for the 21^st century. Through its 50 locations, bookmobiles, Technobus, special services, website (www.mdpls.org) and MDPLS iLibrary app, the Library proudly serves more than seven million annual visitors. Serving the community for more than 40 years, MDPLS continues to experience tremendous change and growth, evolving with the technological needs and requirements of its diverse community.

About Tynker
Tynker’s award-winning creative computing platform helps children develop computational thinking and programming skills in a fun, intuitive and imaginative way. The platform is used by one in three U.S. K‑8 schools and 60 million kids across 150 countries. Tynker was founded by a seasoned team of technology entrepreneurs who share a passion for giving children the critical life skills needed to become leaders in the technologies of tomorrow. Global partners include brands such as Apple, Microsoft, Mattel, PBS, Sylvan Learning, and more. For more information, please visit www.tynker.com, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @GoTynker.