IDRA Honors Six Students in IDRA VisionCoders Reflection Contest

Students in IDRA’s VisionCoders program described how coding, leadership and mentoring experiences helped them build confidence and imagine new possibilities in STEM careers.

“VisionCoders helped me believe in myself. I’ve realized that I can do hard things as long as I don’t give up. It’s inspired me to keep exploring technology, and I’m even thinking about a career in coding now.” – VisionCoders student, Danna Rico Granados

(May 21, 2026) Six students received prizes in a competition among participants in the IDRA VisionCoders program, a middle school computer science course developed by IDRA serving Title I middle schools in Bexar County.

In this innovative course, middle school students who are in at-risk situations become software designers who create educational games for younger students (their “buddies”).

In the reflection contest, the students wrote about how the program helped them do better in school and see their future in STEM as well as how they helped their buddies. Winners were awarded $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place along with commemorative certificates and trophies.

See our booklet with the full winning reflections (pdf).

First Place: Sofia Gover

8th Grade, Robert C. Zamora Middle School, South San Antonio ISD

Poem excerpt:

“IDRA VisionCoders opened a door for me
I didn’t even know was there…

And no matter where life
takes me, a part of me
will always remember that
this is where I learned that
It’s okay to do things out of
your comfort zone, to believe
In yourself, and to believe in what
YOU can do.”

Second Place: Danna Rico Granados

8th Grade, Robert C. Zamora Middle School, South San Antonio ISD

“Joining IDRA VisionCoders really changed things for me… Coding has also made me a better problem-solver… Plus, it’s given me a chance to be creative. There’s such a great feeling of pride that comes with building a game or a project from scratch and seeing it actually work. Most importantly, VisionCoders helped me believe in myself. I’ve realized that I can do hard things as long as I don’t give up. It’s inspired me to keep exploring technology, and I’m even thinking about a career in coding now.”

Third Place: Robert Hernández

8th Grade, Robert C. Zamora Middle School, South San Antonio ISD

“Being part of VisionCoders by IDRA made me more aware of how important access to education really is. Not everyone gets the same opportunities, especially when it comes to technology. Some students don’t get exposed to coding or programs like this at all.

Being in this program made me realize that what we were learning wasn’t just an extra activity; it was something that could actually open doors for people in the future. In a way, programs like these help narrow the academic achievement gap by giving more students access to skills that are becoming more important every day.”

Honorable Mention: Estrella Gandara

8th Grade, Dwight Middle School, South San Antonio ISD

“Joining IDRA VisionCoders really extended and widened my viewpoint of the potential jobs for the time ahead. For example, jobs like software engineering, data scientists, medical coding and so much more, have all changed my outlook on future coding occupations. I have also learned leadership skills, which made me learn that a leader is supposed to be leading and helping others with small mistakes. They’re supposed to be an authentic, empathetic, and a decisive individual – that shows collaboration and listens to their classmates. This program taught me how to be accountable, responsible and wise because of my positive classmates and teacher.”

Honorable Mention: Andrea Pedraza-Villasenor

8th Grade, Kingsborough Middle School, Harlandale ISD

“Being a VisionCoder has completely changed my future and how I see myself. I no longer feel unsure of what I want to do. I am confident of what I want for myself, and I now feel excited when I present. I feel prepared to pursue something that involves technology. This class has given me more skills than I need. It has given me confidence and the mindset to turn ideas into reality. It’s something I can build, one line of code at a time. I’m proud to be a VisionCoder, and I’m now ready to face anything that comes my way.”

Honorable Mention: Alfredo Arriola

8th Grade, Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation, Edgewood ISD

“Being a VisionCoder is a fun experience. It has helped me to see what I wanted to do in high school and in college. Going on field trips to help kids learn with the games I have created for them is a cool and fun experience. It makes me happy that I’m helping kids learn and making them smarter. Learning how to code at a young age will help people in the future when you get a job. Coding is a useful tool you can use, especially with jobs that use technology.”

About IDRA VisionCoders – Budding Computer Scientists

The IDRA VisionCoders program serves middle school students in South San Antonio, where fewer than 1% of adults work in computer-related fields. Yet these are the fastest-growing, highest-paying, most in-demand jobs.

IDRA VisionCoders is an asset-based college prep program for students in at-risk situations. The program’s core is a middle school computer science and leadership course in which students become software designers, creating educational games for elementary students and using guided, cutting-edge technology.

Through a project-based learning and design-thinking approach, they develop a digital portfolio of coding projects, including the educational math and reading games they program and tailor for their elementary buddies.

While learning valuable computer science skills, students improve their own computational thinking skills, computing identity and math skills. VisionCoders students are also mentored by high school students.

The program’s key philosophy of valuing youth’s gifts and developing social skills can provide leadership experiences for students who most need engagement.

Learn more about the IDRA VisionCoders program

Adopt a school! IDRA is seeking funds for 2026-27 to enable schools and students to participate this highly-popular program.