Forty-six brilliant young minds celebrated their graduation recently from the JamCoders Summer Camp at the University of the West Indies, marking a significant step in their education in coding and algorithms.

Over the past two years, NCB Foundation has invested a total of J$1.25M in the JamCoders programme. In 2023, JamCoders trained 48 students, and this year, 46 tech-savvy high school students from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th forms graduated.

For four weeks in July, these students engaged in rigorous learning, interactive activities, and collaborative problem-solving.

The JamCoders summer camp is dedicated to unlocking the potential of these bright minds, aligning with NCB Foundation’s focus to build Jamaica’s pool of digital producers. By equipping these young Jamaicans with foundational coding and algorithms skills, the camp empowers them to become leaders and innovators with the potential to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.

“The achievements of these young coders are inspiring,” said Thalia Lynn, Chair of NCB Foundation. “NCB Foundation believes in nurturing the talents of our youth, providing them with the skills and opportunities to excel in this digital age. These graduates embody the future of Jamaica, and we were immensely proud to support their journey through this partnership with JamCoders.”

Dr Daniel Fokum, senior lecturer and head of the Department of Computing at the University of the West Indies, praised the initiative.

“The JamCoders Summer Camp showcases the incredible potential of our young minds. By immersing these students in the world of programming, we not only fostered technical skills but also encouraged critical thinking and innovation. I am confident that these graduates will go on to make significant contributions to the tech industry and beyond,” Fokum said.

Tianna Harriott, a graduate from this year’s cohort, reflected on the experience, saying: “Participating in the JamCoders Summer Camp was an amazing experience. I learned so much about algorithms, coding and problem-solving, and I feel more confident in my abilities. I can’t wait to apply these skills in my future studies and career. Thank you, NCB, and the JamCoders for this amasing experience.”

Empress Golding, NCB Foundation director, encouraged the graduates to dream big, aim high, and never doubt the remarkable potential within them as they embark on this new chapter.

She emphasised that the skills and knowledge they have gained will serve as a strong foundation for their future endeavours. Highlighting their importance to the nation’s future, she expressed confidence that they will achieve great things.