Baltimore’s summer tech scene got a fresh boost as local students took part in CodeWorks+, a paid internship program that immerses youth in real-world tech jobs. From data science to cybersecurity and community data analysis, the young interns weren’t just learning—they were building projects that matter.
From Curious Minds to Tech Creators: Jabir Ghaffar’s Story
Jabir Ghaffar, like many others, came into the summer with an interest in technology but no clear path to channel that curiosity. The CodeWorks+ internship at DataTrail offered him exactly that—a playground to focus his problem-solving skills on actual tech challenges.
At DataTrail, which educates marginalized youth on data science, Ghaffar went beyond just learning. He revamped the program’s curriculum, turning it into a video game experience with levels, ranks, and bosses. The ultimate challenge? A final “boss” named Corvexus Null who hides key data about Baltimore neighborhoods.
Students battle Corvexus by cleaning and interpreting messy datasets, crafting detailed neighborhood reports that reflect real community conditions. It’s a clever twist on learning—turning the drudgery of data scrubbing into a game-fueled victory lap.
Ghaffar says the experience pushed him to sharpen his skills and helped turn abstract interests into concrete career goals.
More Than Just Internships: Building Real Skills in a Supportive Community
CodeWorks+ isn’t your typical summer gig. The program places young people in both tech firms and nonprofits, letting them get hands-on experience while being mentored by professionals. LaTonya Hall, a mentor in the program, described the value of guiding interns through “real problems” and watching their confidence grow.
Across the city, dozens of interns tackled projects that ranged from cybersecurity protocols to community data analysis aimed at informing local policy.
One intern worked on enhancing data privacy practices for a local nonprofit, while another built interactive dashboards that visualize neighborhood health metrics for policymakers. The energy was palpable during the final showcase event at Spark Baltimore, a hub for innovation downtown.
Why Baltimore’s Tech Future Depends on Youth Engagement
Baltimore has long faced challenges with equitable access to tech education. Programs like CodeWorks+ are a vital bridge to close that gap, making tech careers accessible to underrepresented youth.
YouthWorks, the larger initiative housing CodeWorks+, reported that over 60% of participants this summer were from low-income backgrounds, and many were the first in their families to explore STEM fields.
With the tech industry continuing to grow, providing early career experiences is critical. Internships don’t just build resumes—they build community, confidence, and a future workforce ready to tackle Baltimore’s unique problems with innovation.
The Impact of Hands-On Projects: What the Data Shows
Interns presented a variety of projects during the CodeWorks+ showcase, highlighting the practical impact of their summer work:
| Project Type | Description | Community Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science | Video game-inspired curriculum redesign | Engages youth in learning complex data analysis |
| Cybersecurity | Strengthening nonprofit data protection | Improves trust and safety for local organizations |
| Community Data Analysis | Visual dashboards on neighborhood health | Supports better local decision-making |
These projects demonstrate how immersive learning environments paired with mentorship can deliver tangible outcomes for communities and companies alike.
The summer might be winding down, but the momentum CodeWorks+ has generated is just the beginning. Baltimore’s young tech talent is on the rise, armed with skills, ideas, and the drive to reshape the city’s future. And if this summer was any indication, Baltimore’s tech scene is in good hands.
