About Us

Finding Inspiration to Lead Innovation

Coding Out Of Poverty (C.O.O.P.) is a community innovation and economic mobility initiative focused on creating opportunities and sustainable pathways out of poverty for underserved, marginalized, and vulnerable groups. We believe everyone deserves equitable access to the knowledge, resources, connections, and opportunities needed to build a future of their own design. Through community-focused education, technology, entrepreneurship, workforce development, sustainable living, mentorship, and innovation, we give people the tools to solve real-world problems, strengthen their communities, and build lasting economic mobility. At C.O.O.P., coding and STEAM aren’t the destination - they are among the many tools that empower people think critically, lead with confidence, build boldly, and transform ideas into action. We believe those closest to a community’s challenges are also closest to the solutions. By investing in people, encouraging collaboration, and supporting grassroots innovation, we empower individuals to design their own futures while helping create stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.

Our Story

Coding Out Of Poverty (C.O.O.P.) was founded by two women of color who grew up in low-income communities and experienced firsthand the systemic barriers that limit access to opportunity. Throughout our educational and professional journeys, we faced obstacles, bias, and environments where our perspectives and talents were often overlooked. Those experiences shaped not only who we are, but also our belief that talent is everywhere, even if opportunity is not.

Instead of accepting these inequities, we set out to create something different.

C.O.O.P. is built on the idea that real change happens when communities are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support to solve problems for themselves. We know poverty is complex and can’t be solved by education alone—it also takes access to opportunities, economic mobility, entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, and community investment. While technology and STEAM are key components of what we do, they are tools to help people build confidence, leadership, problem-solving skills, and pathways to meaningful careers, entrepeneaurship, and community impact.

C.O.O.P. is more than a nonprofit. It’s a movement helping people “write their own code” for success. We partner with individuals, families, educators, businesses, and community groups to break down systemic barriers, spark innovation, and create lasting pathways to economic independence and self-determined futures. Our story comes from our own experiences, but our mission is for every community: to empower people to become the innovators, leaders, entrepreneurs, positive disruptors, and change agents shaping a more equitable and prosperous future for themselves, their communities, and future generations.