What we do
Code 4 Hood Edu is a youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through STEAM education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
Founded in 2015 and rebranded in 2024, Code 4 Hood serves youth ages 10–24 throughout Sacramento, with priority enrollment for underserved and opportunity youth—including youth who are at-risk, system-involved, aging out of foster care, or re-entering their communities.
We serve ALL youth in the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, Yolo County and San Joaquin County but prioritize youth who live or attend school in the following communities:
- Council District 4: Marina Vista/Seavey Circle
- Council District 5: Oak Park/Tahoe Park
- Council District 6: South Sacramento/Avondale Neighborhood
Through hands-on learning programs, mentorship, and community-based experiences, we help youth develop technical skills, leadership abilities, and real-world career pathways while strengthening digital literacy and life skills needed for long-term success.
Our primary offices are located in South Oak Park and South Sacramento within the HUD Sacramento Promise Zone at: 4625 44th Street #9 & #15 Sacramento, CA 95820 and our South Sacramento location at 7851 35th Avenue Sacramento CA 95824.
Our Program Pillars
Code 4 Hood delivers youth programs through four core pillars designed to support the whole young person—from exploration and learning to leadership and career readiness. Each pillar provides hands-on experiences that help youth discover their potential, develop real-world skills, and create pathways toward meaningful futures.
STEAM & Innovation
We introduce youth to the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.
Program experiences may include:
- Robotics & engineering challenges
- Game development & coding
- Digital art & animation
- 3D design & maker projects
- STEM exploration labs and workshops
These programs help youth build digital literacy, technical confidence, and innovation skills needed in today's technology-driven world.
Youth Workforce & Career Pathways
Code 4 Hood prepares youth for the future of work by connecting them with career exploration, workforce development training, and industry-aligned learning experiences.
Program opportunities may include:
- Workforce development cohorts
- Career exploration workshops
- Job readiness and resume building
- Technology and green energy pathways
- Entrepreneurship and small business development
Our workforce initiatives help youth build confidence, professional skills, and pathways to college, careers, and entrepreneurship.
Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship
We believe young people should have a voice in shaping their communities. Our leadership programs empower youth to become community leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
Program opportunities include:
- Youth leadership councils
- Community event planning
- Entrepreneurship and startup development
- Public speaking and advocacy training
- Youth-led community initiatives
These experiences help youth develop confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of purpose.
Prevention, Wellness & Life Skills
Healthy youth build healthy communities. Our prevention and wellness programs focus on helping youth develop the life skills, decision-making tools, and support systems needed to navigate challenges and build positive futures.
Programs address topics such as:
- Mental health and emotional wellness
- Healthy relationships and communication
- Substance use prevention and harm reduction
- Financial literacy and life readiness
- Social-emotional skill development
Through mentorship, workshops, and peer engagement, youth learn how to make informed choices, build resilience, and develop healthy relationships.
Our Approach
Across all program pillars, Code 4 Hood combines hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences to ensure youth gain both practical skills and personal growth opportunities.
Our programs are designed to help youth:
- Explore new interests and talents
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Develop workforce-ready abilities
- Strengthen connections with their community
Together, these experiences create a holistic pathway that prepares young people for success in school, careers, and life.
Our Mission & Vision
Who we are and what our goals are.
Our Mission
Code 4 Hood empowers youth with the skills, opportunities, and support systems they need to thrive in school, careers, and life. Through hands-on STEAM learning, workforce development pathways, mentorship, and leadership experiences, we equip young people to explore innovation, build confidence, and pursue meaningful futures.
We focus on creating equitable access to opportunity—particularly for youth in underserved communities—by providing engaging programs that connect education, real-world skills, and community impact.
Our work helps young people discover their potential while preparing them to become problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the industries shaping tomorrow.
Our Vision
We envision communities where every young person—regardless of background—has access to the tools, mentorship, and experiences needed to build a successful future.
Code 4 Hood strives to cultivate a generation of innovators, creators, and leaders who are equipped to shape technology, strengthen their communities, and drive positive change in the world.
Core Values
The principles that guide our work and impact.
Access & Equity
Opportunity should not be determined by zip code. We are committed to expanding access to high-quality learning experiences, career pathways, and mentorship for youth who have historically been underrepresented in STEAM and emerging industries.
Hands-On Learning
We believe youth learn best by doing. Our programs emphasize project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and interactive experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.
Youth Voice & Leadership
Young people are not just participants—they are leaders. We empower youth to take ownership of ideas, lead initiatives, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Innovation & Exploration
Curiosity drives progress. We encourage experimentation, creativity, and forward-thinking solutions that prepare youth to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Community & Collaboration
Strong communities create stronger opportunities. We partner with schools, industry leaders, nonprofits, and families to build a supportive ecosystem around youth success.
Pathways to the Future
Our programs are designed to open doors—from early STEAM exposure to workforce development and entrepreneurship—helping youth discover and pursue meaningful career pathways.
Visit Our Gallery
Check out some of our events, some of our students and some of our projects!
