Juanita High School students expand coding and AI learning opportunities across LWSD

What started as a student-led idea at Juanita High School is now helping students across Lake Washington School District (LWSD) explore coding, web development and artificial intelligence. Through CodeNW, a nonprofit founded and led by Juanita High School rising seniors Varun Patankar, Karunya Penumalla, Vijay Patankar and Taiki Sakakihara, students have created learning opportunities designed by students, for students.

Working with Juanita High School computer science teacher Shinemay Woodcock and Kamiakin Middle School STEM teacher Jared Sadowsky, CodeNW has led coding and responsible AI-use workshops at Kamiakin and Evergreen middle schools, as well as a popular boba-themed website-building workshop at Juanita High School. These hands-on experiences help students build technical skills, create their first websites and learn how AI can be used thoughtfully and ethically.

The student leaders have also organized larger events, including Scrapyard Seattle and Campfire Seattle, bringing together students from across LWSD and Washington state to collaborate, solve problems and publish their first technology projects. These students have demonstrated the ability to be adaptive and creative thinkers, critical problem solvers, effective collaborators and contributing community members.