In a world increasingly defined by technology, access to quality STEM education isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for future success. Yet this access remains unequally distributed, creating a digital divide that threatens to widen existing socioeconomic gaps. At Code Knights, our mission goes beyond teaching chess and coding; we’re working to create a more equitable future through education, mentorship, and community support.
The Education Gap in STEM Fields
The statistics tell a troubling story about educational inequality in the United States, particularly in STEM fields:
- Students from low-income communities are 4-5 times less likely to have access to computer science courses
- Minority students are significantly underrepresented in advanced STEM classes
- Schools in economically disadvantaged areas often lack the resources for technology education
- The “homework gap” leaves many students without reliable internet access at home
These disparities create barriers that can follow students throughout their academic careers and into the professional world. At Code Knights, we believe that talent and potential are distributed equally—but opportunity is not. Our mission is to change that reality.
Our Founding Vision: Education as the Great Equalizer
When Goktug Bas founded Code Knights in 2024, he was driven by a simple yet powerful belief: education can be the great equalizer in society. Growing up and attending Ridgewood High School and Bergen County Academies, Goktug and his peers experienced firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and guidance in educational settings.
They observed that students who received quality guidance in subjects like chess and coding developed not just technical skills, but also crucial life skills including:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Resilience in the face of challenges
- Confidence in their intellectual abilities
- A growth mindset that embraces learning from mistakes
Most importantly, they realized that these skills could open doors regardless of a student’s background or circumstances. This insight became the foundation of Code Knights—a nonprofit organization dedicated to making these opportunities available to all students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Beyond Teaching: The Code Knights Approach to Mentorship
At Code Knights, we understand that effective education goes far beyond simply transferring knowledge. Our approach centers on meaningful mentorship relationships that provide students with:
Role Models Who Understand
Our mentors often come from similar backgrounds as our students, providing living proof that success is possible and creating an authentic connection that fosters trust.
Personalized Learning Journeys
We recognize that each student has unique strengths, challenges, and interests. Our mentors adapt their teaching approaches accordingly, ensuring that every student can learn in the way that works best for them.
Emotional Support and Encouragement
Learning new skills can be challenging, especially for students who may not have received positive reinforcement in educational settings before. Our mentors provide not just academic guidance but also emotional support.
Long-Term Relationships
Rather than brief, transactional educational exchanges, we foster ongoing relationships between mentors and students. These sustained connections create continuity and stability that help students thrive.
The Multiplier Effect: How Education Creates Lasting Change
When we invest in an underprivileged student’s education, the benefits extend far beyond that individual. Research consistently shows that education creates a multiplier effect that impacts:
Families
Students often share their knowledge with siblings and parents, raising digital literacy across entire households.
Communities
Educated students become resources within their communities, creating networks of knowledge-sharing that benefit everyone.
Future Generations
Students who overcome educational barriers are more likely to ensure their own children have educational opportunities, breaking cycles of educational inequality.
Society at Large
A more diverse tech workforce leads to innovation that addresses a wider range of societal needs and perspectives.
How You Can Support Our Mission
Creating educational equity requires collective effort. Here are ways you can join Code Knights in our mission:
Become a Mentor
Share your knowledge and become a role model for students who need guidance. No previous teaching experience is required—just passion and commitment.
Spread the Word
Help us reach more students who could benefit from our programs by sharing information about Code Knights in your networks.
Partner with Us
Schools, community organizations, and businesses can partner with Code Knights to expand our reach and impact.
Donate
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of supporters to provide our services free of charge to students in need.
Join Us in Creating Equal Opportunities
At Code Knights, we envision a future where a student’s zip code or family income no longer determines their access to quality education. We believe that with the right guidance and support, every student can develop the skills they need to succeed in our increasingly digital world.
Chess and coding are more than just activities—they’re vehicles for developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and confidence that transfer to all areas of life. By making these educational opportunities available to underprivileged students, we’re working to create a more equitable society one student at a time.
We invite you to join us in this mission. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure that every student has the chance to develop their full potential.