By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–A few years ago, when someone heard the word “coding” they might not think much of it, but with the growing complexity of technology and the constant presence it has in our lives, coding is something that is found in so many of the products we use today.

One program that understands the importance of coding and introducing it to younger generations is CodeHS and co-founders Jeremy Keeshin and Zach Galant.

Keeshin and sales partner Susha Roy have been traveling across the country for the past couple weeks in their pink van to talk to different high school students about the importance of coding.

On day 22, their van made a stop at Helena High School, where Helena plans to offer a coding course next year for students who are interested and so far 43 have signed up for next year’s class.

Helena students gathered in the auditorium to see a short presentation by Keeshin on the basics of coding and about CodeHS.

“Some of you have tried coding, some of you haven’t, some of you have tinkered just a little bit, but once you get that foundation you realize it’s sort of just an open opportunity for you,” said Keeshin. “When you find an area you’re interested in you can find a way to bring the power of computing there.”

The CodeHS slogan is read, write, code because they believe learning how to code is just as important as learning how to read and write.

One of the first and most basic ways CodeHS teaches students about the foundations of coding is through the use of their mascot Karel the dog.

Karel has different commands and students must give the dog a certain command by using certain codes for Karel to retrieve a ball on the computer program.

CodeHS was founded by Keeshin in California and is based off a freshmen intro coding class at Stanford University where Keeshin attended school.

The CodeHS team plans to visit 50-60 high schools across the country over the next few weeks.