National Coding Symposium and Days of Code 2025

APH’s fifth annual National Coding Symposium is set for December 9th, 2025! This virtual event is open to students and educators all across the nation. The Symposium’s goal is to demystify computer science and other STEM related careers by having a mix of demonstrations, presentations, unique perspectives, and introductions to new findings or technologies within the field! Leading up to the National Coding Symposium are the Days of Code. The Days of Code are held across the nation and are in person events. What exactly are the Days of Code and the National Coding Symposium? We talked to Outreach Regional Specialist Leslie Weilbacher about both! 

The National Coding Symposium is a day meant to inspire curiosity in coding and STEM related fields with a multitude of different sessions and activities. Students and teachers get to learn more about the different fields, programs, and opportunities while also getting a chance to hear about students who have pursued a career in coding/STEM. The National Coding Symposium helps to build a community interested in STEM. 

The Days of Code have a lot of the same goals as the National Coding Symposium but look a little different. Days of Code are in-person events held around the nation and are usually focused on one topic instead of multiple topics. Students are able to get hands on experience with different techniques, while surrounded by people who are familiar to them. Days of Code are usually catered to the students who are attending, meaning they will vary based on the age of the students and the students’ interests. 

Both the Days of Code and the National Coding Symposium have a shared goal −demystifying the STEM field to students. Leslie explains “The Days of Code and the National Coding Symposium give students a chance to see what computer science is and figure out if they want to pursue the interest further,” says Leslie Weilbacher, Outreach Regional Specialist at APH. However, these events are also intended to give teachers the tools they need to help encourage students who want to pursue a coding or computer science career. “We hope to give TVIs and General Education what resources we can and let them know that there are a lot of them out there,” says Weilbacher. 

Leslie also explains why the National Coding Symposium and Days of Code are so important. “There is a huge gap in employment for those who are blind or low vision and there is a huge gap with people graduating with computer science degrees with the intent of joining the field. We want to help on both fronts.” By giving students more chances to learn about the STEM fields surrounding computer science and coding, the National Coding Symposium and Days of Code hope to increase the rate of employment for blind or low vision adults as well as increase the number of computer science degree holders entering the field. To do that, the National Coding Symposium and the Days of Code aim to show teachers and students alike that the computer science field is accessible to students who are blind or low vision. 

The National Coding Symposium would not be possible without coordinators, teachers, and instructors who are dedicated to STEM and to keeping it in classrooms throughout the year. The 2025 theme for the National Coding Symposium is “Access Granted: The Code to Your Future.” This program is funded by Fox Family Foundation, APH, and PPG. We couldn’t succeed without their support! As the day gets closer, look out for information on presenters, registration, and more! We cannot wait for this year’s National Coding Symposium!