Peer Programming

Peer Programming connects students with volunteer instructors for free 1-on-1 sessions and group classes. We know that safety is essential, especially when sessions happen online between peers. This page explains how we work to keep everyone safe.

Vetted instructors

Every instructor who teaches a Peer Programming class or a 1-on-1 has passed our interview. Partner organizations choose their own instructors, so before an organization can run classes here, we check that it's safe and that it properly screens its instructors. That way, when it vouches for an instructor, we know they're suitable to teach. Those instructors still need our interview before teaching anything of ours. The class list shows which organization runs each class.

Group classes

Students join a class from the class list in the app, through a link or code from its instructors or organization, or when Peer Programming adds them. Please never share your class's link or code. Instructors can message the whole class, and students can message the class's instructors, but students never see a list of their classmates on the platform. A Peer Programming moderator is emailed the link to every group session, and members only see the meeting link once an instructor starts the session.

What parents can see

A parent or guardian linked to a student can read everything the student sees and sends in their classes, including direct messages. Group sessions are for the class's students and instructors, so parents don't get the meeting link for them.

Sessions stay on our platform

Sessions are scheduled and conducted through the Peer Programming web platform. Keeping scheduling, communication, and session logistics in one place helps us maintain accountability and provides parents/guardians with a clear record of when sessions occur.

Rules and reporting

Everyone follows our code of conduct. To report a message (one you received, or your child's if your account is linked to theirs), hover over it (or tap it on a phone) and press the red megaphone icon, or email [email protected]. We take every report seriously.

Questions about how sessions work? Read more about Peer Programming or sign up here.