Inspire the Next Generation of InnovatorsVolunteer Presenters, Mentors, and Panelists needed for summer tech career literacy program for youth grades 6-8. As little as 1 hour of your time could inspire the next tech professional.
About STEM Coding LabSTEM Coding Lab provides K-8 children with the CS/AI/STEM skills needed to succeed in a digital economy.
The Mission: CS ExplorersSTEM Coding Lab is seeking tech professionals to anchor our CS Explorers Career Literacy Program. This isn’t a standard classroom lecture—it’s an interactive, high-energy summer experience designed to show middle schoolers that a career in tech is exciting, creative, and within their reach.
Who We’re Looking ForWe are seeking professionals (or enthusiasts!) of all career levels, with the following areas of expertise, that have a desire to inspire the next generation of tech professionals:
- Design & Art: UX/UI Design, 3D Modeling, Industrial Design, Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Data & AI: Data Analysis, Data Science, Machine Learning
- Robotics & Engineering: Robotics/Automation Engineering, Software Engineering
Volunteer Roles:
Guest Presenters
- Commitment: One 45-minute interactive session.
- What you’ll do: Share your career journey and host a "day-in-the-life" activity. Make it hands-on!
- Deadline: Submit your activity plan 14 days before your scheduled date.
Career Panelists
- Commitment: 2 hours per session.
- What you’ll do: Sit on a professional panel to provide students with feedback on their work. You’ll offer real-world context for the skills they’re learning and keep the encouragement high.
Project Mentors
- Commitment: 1 hour per session.
- What you’ll do: Work with small groups (2-3 students) to help them troubleshoot and polish their projects. You are their "technical consultant" and biggest cheerleader.
2026Schedule & Location
Location: Various sites throughout Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County). You can volunteer for 1, 2 or 3 sessions.
- Session 1: June 29 – July 9
- Session 2: July 13 – July 23
- Session 3: July 27 – August 6
Pre-Program Requirements:
- May 2026: 1-hour virtual info session+ volunteer application.
- June 2026: 1-hour virtual training
WHAT WE DO
STEM Coding Lab is the only Pittsburgh nonprofit devoted exclusively to bringing computer science education into under-resourced schools throughout our region.
Operating during the school day, afterschool hours, summer months, and through our virtual curriculum, STEM Coding Lab teachers equip students with the skills needed to be creators, rather than just users, of technology. Our team of educators provide computer science education to youth who would not otherwise have access to it.
MISSION
TO PROVIDE UNDER-RESOURCED CHILDREN WITH THE COMPUTER SKILLS NEEDED TO SUCCEED IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY.
VISION
A WORLD WHERE ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED, REGARDLESS OF INCOME LEVEL.
STEM CODING LAB HISTORY & FOUNDERS
STEM Coding Lab was started by the Penninti family in 2017. Viv Penninti came to Pittsburgh from India in 1980 to get his master’s in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). He subsequently got his MBA from CMU and landed his first job at MSA, a local (Pittsburgh) data analytics firm. Thus was born his love for the city of Pittsburgh and his adopted country which welcomed him with open arms and provided opportunities to succeed based on merit and hard work. Viv went on to become the Chief Executive Officer at MSA, iGate, and other companies, and started several companies himself, mostly in the fields of information technology and data analytics.
Viv believes that digital literacy is key to the success of our children. His local experience, though, indicated a major “digital divide” in society where a large number of the less fortunate children simply did not have access to the resources needed to succeed. Thus was born STEM Coding Lab – an organization focused on providing computer education to underserved children. This has been Viv’s way to contribute and payback to the community that welcomed him and nurtured him for the past 30+ years. A devoted husband & father and beloved by his employees, family, and friends, STEM Coding Lab is thankful for his generosity and leadership.