’24 Annual Report: Celebrating 10K students served

This milestone reflects the collective impact of our students, educators, and community supporters.

Support our 2025 vision

student smiling at the camera in black and white

Kayley M. | First time Intro to Web Design class participant

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Wrenn H. | First time Intro to Virtual Reality class participant

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Nyree C. | First time Intro to Virtual Reality class participant

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The challenge

Even in the Bay Area—the heart of the tech industry—thousands of students lack access to high school computer science courses, especially in underrepresented communities. When students can’t acquire this core knowledge in high school, their future in the lucrative tech field is also limited.

This puts these students at a disadvantage in their career path, and it deprives the Bay Area of thousands of people who can contribute to the region’s economic and social growth.

About Mission Bit

Our mission

To inspire youth of color to explore STEM education through free, project-based computer science programs.

Our vision

To create a future where diversity in tech is the norm, and STEM programs are accessible to all students.

A message from our CEO

Dear Mission Bit community,

In today’s world, technology is shaping every industry, making foundational computer science skills more essential than ever. As AI and automation continue to transform the 21st century, access to computer science education is critical—yet far too many students still do not have access to these opportunities. At Mission Bit, we are committed to closing this gap, ensuring that Bay Area high school students receive equitable, beginner-friendly computer science education that empowers them to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

In 2024, we saw firsthand how the demand for computer science education continues to grow. Mission Bit served 2,041 students—an 18% increase from 2023—demonstrating both the rising need for accessible computer science programs and the excitement of students engaging in our hands-on, project-based learning experiences that make coding fun and approachable.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m especially excited about the launch of our in-school time curriculum in partnership with San Francisco Unified School District. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring innovative, relevant computer science education into the school day—meeting students where they are and sparking curiosity in ways that traditional coursework often doesn’t. With our Mission Bit instructors leading these classes, we’re not just addressing the shortage of computer science educators—we’re making sure students get to learn in a way that feels engaging, empowering, and built for their future.

Looking ahead, we have an incredible opportunity to expand our impact and open even more doors for students. With your support, we can continue breaking barriers, push boundaries, and ensure that every student has access to a free and equitable pathway into tech.

Together, we are shaping the future—one student at a time.

With sincere gratitude,


Christina Ortega

Our values

Our impact

Empowering thousands through computer science education

 

Our programs

 

1. Explore Code Academy

In our Explore Code Academy (ECA), students immerse themselves in the world of computer science. Through this semester-long program, students master core coding principles and gain invaluable practical experience via project-based learning.

With our commitment to small class sizes and dedicated, experienced instructors, ECA fosters an environment where passion meets expertise, fostering a dynamic space for students to flourish in their coding journey.

Program highlights

rocket

52% growth in ECA students served

In 2024, we reached 398 students, up from 261 in 2023, expanding access to computer science education.

94% of students had fun learning

An engaging and supportive environment makes computer science enjoyable—94% of students who completed the course felt that learning with Mission Bit was fun!

Hands-on learning in every class

Introductory courses in Web Design, Game Design with Unity, Virtual Reality, and Python empower students to explore technology, create, and problem-solve.

91% course completion rate

Students stay engaged and committed, with 91% successfully completing their ECA course.

Success Stories

Real stories from ECA students

Read about how Mission Bit’s ECA program is shaping futures in tech.

Andre L. | Intro to VR alum

“I absolutely loved the class I was able to participate in. I had no clue how to operate or use VR to create prior to the class, but upon arrival, I’ve never felt more welcomed. Since the class, I’ve gained a strong interest in the tech industry and possibly finding a career in it.”

Ariana A. V. | Intro to Web Design alum

“Mission Bit greatly impacted me! It kept me busy and stimulated my brain over the summer. It also helped me learn to be more open and take on more risks.“

Jose N. | Intro to Python alum

“This is my second year taking Mission Bit classes, and it’s been amazing. My first class inspired me to major in computer science and apply to UC Berkeley. I’m excited to return for my third year in 2025!”

ECA instructor training program

Our educators bring our mission to life. They serve as mentors and role models to our students. Mission Bit is proud to provide a robust instructor support program through in-depth, hands-on training and individualized coaching sessions, helping our instructors to have the greatest impact they can.

Program highlights

100% of instructors would recommend Mission Bit

Every instructor who taught with Mission Bit said they would recommend the experience, reflecting a strong and supportive teaching community.

76% of instructors are people of color

Our instructor team reflects the diversity of the students we serve, with 76% identifying as people of color.

96% of students say their instructor made their experience fun

Students credit their instructors for creating an engaging and enjoyable learning experience, with 96% saying their instructor made the course fun.

45% of instructors are women, nonbinary, or transgender

We are committed to diversity in tech education, with 45% of our instructors identifying as women, nonbinary, or transgender in 2024.

Success Stories

Real stories from Mission Bit instructors

Read about how Mission Bit teachers are empowering the next generation of tech leaders.

Stephane S. | Mission Bit instructor

“Being one of the Mission Bit instructors allowed me to brush up my own coding skills and meet other people that are passionate about tech. Being part of such a diverse group of folks really proved that there is a place for everyone in this industry.“

Andres G. | Mission Bit instructor

“During my time at Mission Bit, I was able to help bring computer science education to those who lack the necessary resources. As a community, we address the crucial question: How can someone start something when they don’t know where to begin? Together, we cultivate an environment of growth and eagerness to learn.”

Kaitlyn W. | Mission Bit instructor

“Seeing the students grow in terms of not only technical skills, but also finding friendships in the class was super rewarding. Hearing that a student is proud of their project and that they want to continue working on it in the future was an incredible feeling.”

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2. Student Ambassador Board

Our Student Ambassadors aren’t just learners; they’re catalysts of leadership. Together they serve as the vital link between their high school communities and the Mission Bit family. Their initiatives span from spearheading conferences and hackathons to curating and guiding workshops. Through collaborative projects, they actively shape the trajectory of Mission Bit and the students we are dedicated to serving.

Program highlights

  • Since the program’s inception, 67 students have served on the Student Ambassador Board with 19 serving in 2024.
  • Students who were a part of SAB in 2024 attended the following high schools: Abraham Lincoln High School, Carlmont High School, Galileo High School, Gateway High School, George Washington High Schoool, Immaculate Conception Academy, Leadership Public Schools – Hayward, Lowell High School, McClymonds High School, Oakland High School, Oakland Technical High School, Burton High School, Raoul Wallenberg High School, and Ruth Asawa SOTA.

3. Alumni Network

Community is at the heart of what we do. After graduation, we actively support our alumni by providing opportunities for continued learning, mentorship, and involvement. Through workshops, networking events, and leadership roles, we help them stay connected and contribute to the Mission Bit community in meaningful ways.

 

Program highlights

Top colleges our alumni attend

Our graduates have been accepted to renowned institutions, including Yale University, Wesleyan University, University of San Francisco, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Stanford, MIT, CU Boulder, Columbia University, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Boston College.

89% of alumni pursuing STEM degrees

Among the class of 2024, 89% of our alumni are enrolled in STEM programs, reflecting their continued interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

94% of alumni enrolled in college

94% of our 2024 alumni are currently pursuing higher education, demonstrating the impact of Mission Bit’s support in expanding their opportunities.

Success Stories

Real stories from Mission Bit alumni

Read about how Mission Bit is shaping futures in tech beyond high school.

Kathleen Z. | Mission Bit alum & current student at Harvard

“Mission Bit has encouraged me to seek new connections and opportunities in tech. Their guidance helped me build the confidence to pursue these relationships, broadening my network and potential career paths.”

Rafael P. | Mission Bit alum & current student at UC Irvine

“Through the three classes I took at Mission Bit, I gained foundational knowledge in various coding languages and realized my potential, despite my background. Today, I am majoring in Informatics at the University of California, Irvine.”

Dawit B. | Mission Bit alum & current student at Yale

“Mission Bit has helped me build confidence in my leadership and organizational abilities. Being a student leader allowed me to set up events involving 20+ students while also applying for grants. The leadership skills showed me that I can do it.”

Additional programs driving change

Workshops

Our 90-minute workshops serve as a gateway for many students who have never explored computer science. We bring these workshops directly to school sites during the school day, prioritizing schools with little to no computer science offerings to ensure students who might not otherwise have access get the opportunity to discover coding. Additionally, we partner with community-based organizations to offer our workshops to their students after school, expanding access beyond the classroom. Our goal is not just to teach code but to make this first experience engaging and unforgettable, igniting curiosity and passion for technology.

Notable highlights
  • 1,167 students served through 59 engaging workshops
  • Expanded impact through a partnership with the San Francisco Education Fund for Computer Science Education Week
  • Hands-on learning with interactive activities that make coding fun and approachable
Tech Start

Tech Start is a two-week program designed for 18–26 year olds aspiring to enter the tech industry. Through engaging workshops and insights from industry professionals, participants gain the confidence and skills necessary to pursue tech roles. Each student is paired with a mentor who provides invaluable guidance and support as they embark on their tech journey.

Key skills students develop
  • Financial literacy fundamentals – Understand key financial concepts and real-world applications
  • Tech company roles & workflows – Understand career paths and the product life cycle
  • Resume building – Learn to craft and refine a compelling resume
  • Interview mastery – Develop confidence, communication, and professional presence
Code Your Way

Code Your Way, Mission Bit’s self-paced online coding program, empowers students to learn on their terms. Many of our students have responsibilities outside of school, so Code Your Way provides a flexible learning experience to create access for even the busiest student. This approach allows our students to overcome barriers to learning while balancing their other commitments.

What makes this program unique?
  • Self-paced learning – Students progress at their own speed, making coding accessible anytime, anywhere.
  • Flexible & inclusive – Designed for students balancing school, work, and other commitments.
  • Real-world connections – 1:1 mentorship with industry professionals and volunteers.
  • Project-based curriculum – Hands-on learning that builds coding skills through real-world applications.
  • Supportive community – Access to peer and instructor support to stay motivated and on track.
Events

In addition to our core programs, we create opportunities beyond the classroom through field trips, laptop giveaway events, and community-driven experiences. From supporting senior students with essential tech to connecting them with industry leaders, these events provide invaluable exposure and resources. Our Student Ambassador Board (SAB) also leads the annual Bridging the Youth Tech Divide (BYTD) event, fostering discussions on tech equity and accessibility.

Notable highlights
  • 72 laptops donated to support senior students in need during events
  • 547 students reached through tech company field trips and career talks
  • Some companies students visited were Cloudflare, Adobe, and Niantic, gaining real-world insights and career inspiration

Success Stories

Real voices, real impact.

Discover how Mission Bit is transforming lives through our programs.

Isabella S. | Mission Bit alum

“Mission Bit helped me step out of my shell and discover coding. It taught me resilience and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. Now, I want to inspire others from underrepresented backgrounds to do the same.”

Raylene A. | Mission Bit alum

“The course overall impacted my interest in coding to seek more opportunities where I am able to create different projects in the coding process. It made me curious about different types of technologies that are being used in day-to-day life. I would like to experience coding on a challenging level where I am able to test myself to my limits in terms of hardships of coding.”

Revenue

 

Our amazing partners

Mission Bit collaborates with corporate partners, foundations, and schools to expand access to computer science education. In 2024, our partners hosted field trips, supported our gala, and led career talks. Additionally, we worked with funders to sustain and grow our programs, running workshops and semester-long courses at local high schools to provide hands-on learning experiences for students.

1Password
AEO Better World Foundation
Adobe
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
AT&T
Bloomberg
Crankstart Foundation
Dell Technologies
Electronic Arts
Figma
Gap
Goodstack (previously Percent)
Google.org

Hellman Foundation
JD Finishline
Kapor Center
Langendorf Foundation
LinkedIn
Meta
Monkeybrains
Niantic
Notion
Oakland Public Education Fund
Oakland Unified School District
OpenAI
PagerDuty

Panda Express
Reddit
Ross Foundation
Salesforce
San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families
San Francisco Education Fund
San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development
San Francisco Unified School District
Sequoia
Shopify

SingleStore
Snap
Southwest Airlines
Unity
University of San Francisco
Verizon
Warriors Foundation
Waymo
Wilson Sonsini
Zoox

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Our team

Core staff

Aimee Little-Sanchez, Chief Finance Officer
Christina Ortega, Chief Executive Officer
Cora Monokandilos, Chief Product Officer
Cynthia Chin, Chief Operating Officer
Ellen Zhou, Hiring and Office Coordinator
Evalani Clark, Marketing Manager
Itzel Gil, Program Coordinator
Jaedon Lee, Curriculum Developer
Johnny Lin, Development Associate
Josh Burlile, Program Manager
Morgan Maxwell, Education Program Assistant
Rachel Scales, Innovative Learning Manager
Tiffany Ian, Summer Learning Assistant
Ver Pasamic, Curriculum Developer
Zoe Kurtz, Director of Programs
Zuri Mubarak, Program Coordinator

Board of Directors

Alex Peng, Growth Engineer at SingleStore, Mission Bit Alum
Allison Scott, PhD, CEO of the Kapor Foundation
Anthony Liatsis, CTO & Co-Founder at CreditIQ
Beth Anderson, President at Anthem Blue Cross
Bob Ippolito, Board Chair, Entrepreneur, Maker of Things
Christina Ortega, Chief Executive Officer, Board President
Christine Keener, Director, Government and Community Affairs at Verizon
Jeff Schnitz, Board Treasurer Senior Vice President, East West Bank
Jennifer Collins, Board Secretary, SVP, Business Development at TuneIn
Jonathan Chan, Partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Sam Purtill, VP of Engineering at Advantage Solutions

Looking ahead: Our vision for 2025 and beyond

As we celebrate serving 10,000 students, Mission Bit looks ahead to new frontiers in computer science education. In 2025, we will expand our free STEM programs for youth by launching innovative in-school curricula in partnership with San Francisco Unified School District, increasing partnerships with tech companies, and creating career pathways through internship programs.
Support our 2025 vision