Teens at Next Generation gathered together Dec. 5 to take part in the Hour of Code, a one-hour introduction to computer science that teaches the basics of HTML coding, as part of Computer Science Education Week.

Computer Science Education Week is held annually during December in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper. It is a national initiative to promote computer sciences among students.

Representatives from Best Buy in Cumming volunteered to lead demonstrations and activities to get the students thinking about computer sciences.

“We’re just here to volunteer to try to get them inspired with technology. We’re actually showing them HTML and how to code with HTML,” said Geek Squad representative Chad Carlisle.

Best Buy provided laptops and activities for the full clubhouse, including a game where teams worked together to build and change websites in real time as a way to demonstrate cause and effect when a piece of coding is changed.

“So far they’re really engaged,” Carlisle said. “I always say ‘as long as the kids enjoy it it’s all worth it.’”

Next Generation is an after school prevention clubhouse that infuses an established prevention curriculum with STEM initiatives in the hopes of increasing the youth’s ability to navigate the growing global community with important 21st century skills.

NxTG is open 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is free for eligible families.

It is located at 462 Memory Lane Suite 160 in downtown Dawsonville.

Kids do not need to be in public school to join, and must be between the ages of 12 and 17.

For more information, call (706) 429-0110 or visit nxtgenerationga.org.