IPSWICH, Mass. — August 20, 2020 — EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) and Prenda have partnered to help transform libraries into community learning hubs by supporting computer science education for youth. The new agreement allows EBSCO to resell Prenda, a self-guided and self-paced learn-to-code product that helps students thrive in the digital world and empowers libraries to start and run coding programs. The partnership reflects EBSCO’s ongoing dedication to support emerging companies, such as Prenda, in the library market.
Since its launch in 2013, Prenda has become an important player in the transformation of libraries. Initially supporting before- and after-school programs called “code clubs,” Prenda Code Club now offers a self-paced learn-to-code software for ages 8-18. Through hundreds of coding tutorials and dozens of real-world projects, this high-impact educational e-resource helps students develop meaningful life skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and career prep. Coding languages, platforms, and devices incorporated in Prenda’s platform include Scratch, HTML, CSS, SQL, Javascript, Python, Sphero, Ozobot, Raspberry Pi, and Makey Makey.
With Prenda’s help, libraries around the world are transforming into community learning hubs. Prenda Head of Code Club Luke Miller predicts that Prenda will help change the way learning happens in the 21st century. "Over the last couple years, we've seen more than 25,000 kids around the country go from not knowing anything about coding to being able to create their own video games, websites, apps, animations and more. Prenda’s self-guided product helps libraries provide transformative experiences to students at any time.”
Prenda will provide training and support to help libraries use the software to run in-person or virtual code clubs. Miller says that over the past seven years, Prenda has supported countless library professionals in starting code clubs, providing librarians with options even when there is no coding expert on staff. “Whether they offer the self-paced product, use the software to run a code club, or both, libraries can enhance their digital programming and support STEAM learning.”
EBSCO Information Services Senior Vice President of Research Databases Sara Earley says EBSCO is dedicated to helping libraries expand their community resources. “Partnering with Prenda will extend the reach of a coding e-resource and code clubs to more libraries, giving them the opportunity to transform their communities.”
For more information on Prenda, visit: https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/prenda-code-club.
About Prenda
Prenda accidentally launched the code club movement in 2013 as volunteers at their local library in Mesa, Arizona. They're passionate about empowering learners and giving kids superpowers like problem solving skills and job opportunities as they learn how to code in informal learning environments in public and school libraries. Visit https://prendacodeclub.com to learn more.
About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the leading discovery service provider for libraries worldwide with more than 11,000 discovery customers in over 100 countries. EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS) provides each institution with a comprehensive, single search box for its entire collection, offering unparalleled relevance ranking quality and extensive customization. EBSCO is also the preeminent provider of online research content for libraries, including hundreds of research databases, historical archives, point-of-care medical reference, and corporate learning tools serving millions of end users at tens of thousands of institutions. EBSCO is the leading provider of electronic journals and books for libraries, with subscription management for more than 385,000 serials, including more than 170,000 e-journals, as well as online access to more than 1,000,000 e-books. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: www.ebsco.com. EBSCO Information Services is a division of EBSCO Industries, Inc., a family-owned company since 1944.
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For more information, please contact:
Kathleen McEvoy
Vice President of Communications
(800) 653-2726 ext. 2594
kmcevoy@ebsco.com
