Teen-founded Non-profit Teaches Kids Coding and Storytelling.

The two girls met in 2017 when they were both teens and volunteering at the same homeless shelter, where they taught coding to children. The kids' enthusiasm led the pair to consider how to expand their volunteer work and make an even bigger impact. 

The friends imagined a program where they could combine Milan’s passion for teaching and Katherine’s love for coding. Today, the program has expanded to nine shelters in six states with the help of 120 volunteers. 

The girls started in 2017 with a pilot program called "A Month of Code" that brought hands-on computer programming skills to children at local homeless and domestic violence shelters. To expand the offering, the teens learned to write grants to help fund computer purchases and to launch their non-profit organization. They named the organization Open Sesame Coding for Kids. 

When the program first launched, the classes focused on teaching kids how to create games, websites and other digital programs. According to the founders, these skills would help the children plan for future careers that involved coding.

With advancements in AI over the past several years, the organization has once again expanded to focus on delivering in-demand skills. Now called Open Sesame Stories for Kids, the organization sends volunteers into shelters to lead storytimes, circle conversations and story-inspired crafts. Each child leaves the experience with a story kit to help them "keep the magic going."

The new focus on storytelling helps kids focus on the timeless traits of courage, character and creativity. Open Sesame embeds storytelling in their teaching as a way to empower children to tell their own stories and to venture into the workplace with a determination to improve the world.

Open Sesame Stories for Kids’ has enlisted 120 high school and college student volunteers to teach children from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Children attend the classes on weekend mornings at each of the participating shelters. 

In 2019, the prestigious Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes recognized Katherine and Milan for the empowering difference they had made within their community. 

The Foundation for a Better Life and PassItOn believe that Katherine McPhie and Milan Narula are heroes. They help children flourish by sparking their imagination and igniting hope. Their action is a great example of mentoring. 

For more information visit: https://www.codeopensesame.com/