Code, Creativity, and Confidence: How Onramp is Empowering Students at Dallas Harris Elementary

  At Dallas Harris Elementary School, students are developing a drive for exploration and creative expression using new and exciting tools. Thanks to a dynamic partnership between the Onramp program and school librarian Rachel Sutherland, students are discovering the powerful connection between coding and creativity. Onramp focuses on giving students not only the tools but also the opportunity to explore their own curiosity and creativity through the wide lens of technology.

During a recent Onramp-led project, students were challenged to create abstract self-portraits using Swift Playgrounds. Aiden, a fifth grade student, not only embraced the challenge — he exceeded it. Aiden explored Swift on his own and went beyond the assignment to build a scene featuring an apple tree, even learning how to import a system image of an apple to complete his vision.

In a school where learners come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, the library has become a center for innovation. Sutherland has transformed it into a space where coding isn’t just technical — it’s expressive and inclusive. Through Onramp’s support, Sutherland is developing the skills and tools to help those students find their sparks.

“The best thing about teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) to our students is that it is accessible to a wide range of ages and experience,” Sutherland shared. “In addition, we have students with various abilities and language backgrounds, but we are still able to reach them and help them feel successful!”

That sense of success has never been more evident than in the story of Aiden, a bright and imaginative student who recently immigrated from Korea. Aiden, a student with limited English proficiency, has found an unexpected way to express himself — through code. This is the heart of what Onramp is all about: creating opportunities where every student — regardless of language, learning style, or background — can explore, build, and succeed.

At Dallas Harris Elementary, coding isn’t just a skill, it’s a spark. Thanks to the collaborative work of Onramp and educators like Rachel Sutherland, that spark is catching fire.

Screenshot of the coding project where Aiden created an apple tree.