Atlanta-based Cartoon Network and Google have joined forces to encourage children to learn about software coding, and they’re using some star power to do it.
The animation and tech giants are launching online tutorials that teach young people how to write the language that drives the Internet, social media and apps that populate our phones and tablets.
Cartoon Network will debut on Thursday a new episode of its long-standing hit “Powerpuff Girls” at a screening at Turner Broadcasting’s Midtown offices.
In the episode, titled “Viral Spiral,” character Bubbles saves the world from the trio’s foes by using code.
“It’s an easy way to get reach and raise excitement,” Cartoon Network president and general manager Christina Miller said.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that by 2020, 1 million U.S. programming jobs could go unfilled because of a shortage of people who know how to write code. Tech companies such as Microsoft have raised similar alarms.
For Cartoon Network and Google the partnership is an investment. Teaching young people how to code today will prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow, where digital platforms will dominate and knowing the language will be a requirement to compete, the companies said.
That is especially important for girls and minorities, said Julie Ann Crommett, Google’s entertainment industry educator in chief. The tech sector has an image of being exclusively white male. Using a character such as Bubbles to show girls coding sends a message that everyone can participate.
“Our idea is for it be all inclusive,” Crommett said. “The message we want to send is you can be from any background and any gender to do this.”
