Scratch Education Collaborative
We support creative computing around the world.
SEC Cohort 4 Application Opens December 13, 2023
We support creative computing around the world.
The Scratch Education Collaborative (SEC) is a two-year experience, anchored in creative learning, equity, and community. Through the SEC, participants around the world regularly connect to explore equitable creative coding practices using Scratch and ScratchJr and to cultivate a global network focused on supporting learners from historically marginalized communities in developing their confidence with creative learning. SEC participating organizations have opportunities to share with one another and to collaborate with members of the Scratch Foundation, The MIT Media Lab, and other global leaders in creative coding. Sign up for information about applying to the next cohort!
Increase access and eliminate gaps that have limited creative computing opportunities for educators and students in traditionally underrepresented communities
Realign the resources of the Scratch Foundation toward a greater focus on serving marginalized communities and local organizations that support them with creative computing opportunities
Create a self-sustaining network of educators and models for equity-centered creative computing resources and learning experiences
The SEC is comprised of 173 organizations from 33 countries around the world working toward equitable creative coding opportunities for all.
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SECFAQs
What types of organizations should apply to be SEC Participants?
Non-governmental/nonprofit organizations, public schools, school districts, nonprofit universities and colleges, and other government entities are all welcome to apply.
Organizations must align with the SEC Vision.
Organizations should currently be using Scratch and have the capacity to support implementation of equitable creative coding resources in their programming and with their target communities.
Organizations' focus audience should be communities who have historically been underserved or denied access to educational opportunities and resources, based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or economic status.
Who is not eligible for the SEC?
For Profit institutions are not eligible to participate.
Will international applicants be accepted?
The SEC supports a global community. We encourage organizations from around the world to apply.
What is the primary language used in SEC events and communication?
SEC workshops and events will be facilitated in English. However, interpretation services are available upon request and will be arranged by the SEC team.
How many members of each organization will be required to participate?
1-2. Representatives of participating organizations are responsible for attending SEC events and communicating with Scratch Team members, as well as other SEC Participant and Partner organizations.
Being an SEC Participant organization requires a commitment from, at a minimum, one representative, as well as the Executive Director/CEO/or other administrator at the highest level of organizational leadership.
When does the program begin and end?
The SEC is a two-year cohort experience. The Cohort 2 learning experience begins May of 2023 and ends June 2025.
When will organizations be informed of selection decisions?
Participant organizations will be notified by April 30, 2022.
What is the time commitment for participating in the SEC, and how will that time be spent?
Representatives of participating organizations can expect to spend 4-5 hours a month engaging in SEC-related activities. Engagement may include:
Participating in monthly SEC workshops, chats, and/or forums
Meeting with an assigned SEC Liaison for check-ins
Collaborating with other SEC Participant Organizations
Developing equitable creative coding resources
Will the program be entirely virtual?
All workshops and sessions for the 2023-2025 cohort will be hosted virtually.
If not selected, or participation is not possible for our organization this year, will there be future SEC cohorts?
Yes! Join our mailing list to receive updates about the SEC.
What is the cost of participation in the SEC?
Participation in the SEC is free.
Didn’t find the answer(s) you were looking for? Questions? Contact us at sec@scratch.mit.edu
Scratch is the world’s largest coding community for children and a coding language that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations.
With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.
Our mission is to ensure that Scratch and ScratchJr are available for free, for everyone, so that kids around the world can express their ideas through coding.