Interview: 16-year-old “Jay Jay” Patton on a Mission to Make Coding More Accessible to Young Women of Color, Create a Community for Children with Incarcerated Parents
Did your school support your passion for coding, or did you have to pursue it outside of school?
School actually didn’t foster my passion for coding. It was something I had to pursue on my own, outside of classes and school. I didn’t have coding as a class or any resources for it at school. It was really just my dad teaching me and supporting me in my journey.
Can you provide me with updates on the progress of Unlock Academy? How is it going and what can you tell me about recent developments? Additionally, what is the desired outcome for individuals participating in Unlock Academy?
We’ve been experiencing great success with Unlock Academy. We’ve welcomed numerous new students, and surprisingly, the pandemic has actually contributed to this growth. With more people staying at home, there’s an increased interest in finding productive activities. Our main focus at Unlock Academy is to bridge the gap in the tech industry, particularly for women of color, women in general, and marginalized individuals. We want them to feel empowered and confident in pursuing opportunities within the tech field. Unfortunately, the tech industry lacks the diversity it should have, and we are dedicated to changing that. Our mission is to provide a pathway for those who aspire to enter this world, debunking any self-doubt or discouragement that may arise. We want to guide their careers and help them integrate into this industry seamlessly.
What are your thoughts on the racial and gender inequity present in the tech world? What do you believe are the reasons behind its existence, and how do you propose we address this issue?
I believe this inequality exists because individuals from marginalized backgrounds are not provided with the necessary resources. Access to these resources is extremely limited, making it difficult for them to pursue opportunities in the tech field. While traditional education pathways exist, they often come at a high cost that many cannot afford. Moreover, the tech industry is not effectively marketed to these individuals, creating a perception that coding is an exclusive and complex domain reserved for geniuses or mathematicians. This belief is perpetuated by media portrayals, such as movies depicting coding as something akin to "The Matrix." Personally, I held the same misconception when I first witnessed my father coding at the age of 10. However, once I delved into it, I realized that it wasn’t as intimidating as it seemed. Both my father and I stumbled into the coding world unknowingly, which is why we understand the perception. The barrier exists because the tech industry fails to promote itself as an accessible field for our communities. At Unlock Academy, our plan is to make tech education affordable and provide individuals with the confidence that they can excel in this field.
Can you recall a pivotal moment that made you realize Unlock Academy is truly making a difference? Is there a specific moment of gratification that stands out to you?
The moment I started receiving stories and messages from individuals expressing their gratitude and inspiration was when I truly understood the impact of Unlock Academy. To me, this experience is both humbling and surreal. The fact that I am able to make a positive difference in people’s lives is truly rewarding.
