BrothersWhoCode: Empowering Youth Through Code. Strengthening Families Through Opportunity.
A Comprehensive Program Summary (Real Data Only)
In a digital-first world, access to technology is no longer a luxury—it's a requirement. Yet for millions of young people in underserved communities, especially African American, Latino, and low-income families, that access is still out of reach. BrothersWhoCode, founded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, stands as a direct response to this inequity. Its mission is clear and focused: to empower individuals of all ages with real-world coding skills while rebuilding confidence, focus, and opportunity through mentorship and family-centered learning.
The program's founder, Jerry Smith, a homeschooling father and developer, created BrothersWhoCode to address a deep educational and social need—starting with his own sons. What began as a kitchen-table initiative is now an emerging model for tech empowerment that not only prepares youth for careers but also strengthens entire families and communities.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools across the country, many families were forced into homeschooling for the first time. For Jerry Smith and his three boys—ages 18, 16, and 8—the challenge was real. Traditional subjects were already difficult for the older sons, particularly in reading comprehension, math, and science. The situation demanded a new strategy, one that could restore curiosity and foster focus.
That strategy became coding.
Jerry began studying HTML and CSS alongside his children, despite having no formal background in programming. In the early stages, progress was slow and frustrating—spending over two months trying to build a simple webpage header. With no mentor available at the time, Jerry had to problem-solve on his own. But instead of being defeated, he turned that experience into a lesson for his children: "Problem solvers get paid the most in tech."
That philosophy—built on grit, self-learning, and mentorship—laid the foundation for BrothersWhoCode. It was never just about learning to program. It was about building resilient problem-solvers equipped to lead in a changing world.
BrothersWhoCode teaches more than code. It teaches how to think, how to focus, and how to lead.
The curriculum is hands-on, project-based, and intentionally paced to meet learners where they are. It integrates real-world tools and technologies students would encounter in professional settings.
Unlike many tech bootcamps that prioritize speed, BrothersWhoCode values depth over pace, ensuring that students truly understand what they're building.
The core of BrothersWhoCode's success is best seen through the real students it has uplifted—Jerry Smith's own children.
Each child in the program is learning at their own pace, with real mentorship, structure, and purpose. They are not only learning programming but positioning themselves for career opportunities in a field that rewards self-discipline and innovation.
Before coding, Ajani and Hasani struggled academically—particularly in reading comprehension, math, science, and research. But once they began coding, something clicked.
Coding demands the same skillsets needed to excel in core subjects:
By integrating technical and academic challenges, BrothersWhoCode helps reinforce educational fundamentals.
Despite being homeschooled, both boys are more socially engaged and responsible, thanks to their roles as tech mentors and developers.
The program has proven that coding doesn't just open professional doors—it transforms personal potential.
These pillars—fundamentals, self-drive, mentorship, and focus—form the DNA of BrothersWhoCode.
The program's outcomes are real, measurable, and transformational:
Both are preparing for software engineering roles by mastering both front-end and back-end technologies. They are building portfolios, contributing to the community, and understanding how business and tech intersect.
Once struggling learners, they now navigate complex systems, research topics independently, and write and present with confidence.
The brothers teach each other. They inspire their 8-year-old sibling. Their tech knowledge supports not just their future careers but the digital literacy of their entire household.
BrothersWhoCode has a clear plan for scaling its success:
Develop a structured mentorship training program to allow more students (and even parents) to become tech mentors in their own communities.
Offer the curriculum to other homeschool families, charter schools, and nonprofits supporting youth development.
The long-term goal is to bring BrothersWhoCode to:
Build an online learning system that supports live coding, tutorials, and competitions—making coding accessible from any device, anywhere in the world.
This isn't about building a brand—it's about building access and a movement.
BrothersWhoCode isn't just a program. It's a model for how education, family, and mentorship can combine to produce confident, capable young people ready to thrive in the digital age.
Born in crisis, powered by love, and driven by purpose—it shows what's possible when families unite around learning, and when coding becomes more than a career path—it becomes a lifestyle.
Ajani and Hasani's story is proof. The 8-year-old brother's path is just beginning. And thousands more are waiting for someone to hand them the tools, guidance, and belief they need to step into the future.
This is not a tech bootcamp.
It's not a class.
It's a movement.
And it's just getting started.
Jerry Smith
Founder, BrothersWhoCode
📧 brotherswhocode.dev
🌐 https://brotherswhocode.blog
📞 505-589-2785