The Code It! Challenge

Design & Code a Video Game

About Us

EvanSTEM

EvanSTEM is a public-private partnership project housed within District 65 with the goal of creating an Evanston ecosystem of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) educators, program providers, industry leaders and professionals to increase underrepresented student success in STEM programs, courses, and ultimately careers.

Questions? Need Help?

We are happy to answer any questions about the challenge and/or help with coding issues. Complete the form below using a non-D65 email, and we will respond as soon as we can. Be sure to check out our FAQ page before submitting. We add all questions with answers to this page, and someone may have already asked your question.

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The Code It! Challenge Staff

The Code It! Challenge is supported by staff from Evanston Public Library and Evanston-Skokie School District 65. Meet the staff that made this challenge this possible. Please contact us with any questions you have about the challenge.

Daisy T.

Teen Programmer and Lead on Code It

I enjoy coding and being able to develop an idea. I have experience with different languages such as JavaScript, Java, Python, Go and more. I love to support anyone interested in STEM in the same way I was supported to become a woman in the STEM field. 

    Elacsha M.

    Innovation & Digital Learning Manager

    I have always had a passion for science since I was a kid (kind of like Ada Twist the Scientist and Iggy Peck the Architect). I love conducting experiments and inventing things. I enjoy working with my hands, problem solving and not knowing what the outcome will be! Science will always be cool. 

      Katie B.

      IDL Library Assistant

      Hello! My name is Katie, I am a Library Assistant and I started at EPL in October 2024. Before my current position, I worked as a Library Teacher Assistant for a middle school. I’m familiar with makerspace and STEM programming so I’m excited to work with the IDL team! I am really thrilled about Code It and I can’t wait to help you all make some fantastic games.

        Kennedy J.

        Teen Engagement Coordinator

        Kennedy can be found on the first floor of EPL at Children’s creating fun maker programs for tweens. They have a passion for blending their love for science and art as a way to help build their own creative thinking and storytelling skills. Coding is just one of the many ways to tell a story and the hope is that through art, we will find many more.

          Khari W.

          Part-Time Library Assistant

          Hey hey, My name is Khari. I’m a Part-Time Library Assistant in the library’s Innovation and Digital Learning Department. I’ve been with the library since spring of 2022 but a part of the Evanston community since birth. My primary duties are to watch the Tech Desk and Teen Loft but I also run EPL’s Teen Anime Club and assist in bringing our citywide challenges to fruition. I have a masters degree in traditional animation so you’ll usually see me sketching, don’t be afraid to say hello!

            Bobby S.

            IDL Library Assistant

             Hey there my name is Bobby. I’m a Chicago native, born and raised! My professional background is in Video Editing, Animation, and Production. I got my bachelor’s degree in Animation from DePaul University in 2015. I have a lot of hobbies, and it’s hard to find time for all of them! I’m a bit of a computer enthusiast, so I try my best to keep up to date with what’s out there. If you ever need help picking out a new computer or learning to build an arcade game, feel free to ask!

              Maddy B.

              Teen Librarian

              Hi my name is Maddy. I have been a librarian since 2014. I’m an avid reader of webcomics and manga. I grew up in California and moved to Illinois during my high school years. My hobbies include: running Call of Cthulhu and Madoka Magica Magic Girl ttrpgs, sewing little plush friends, coding video games in rpgmaker, painting ghost portraits, listening to my son tell me about minecraft, making tiny food with uvresin, and playing all kinds of PC and Switch video games. I love a good ghost story so tell me all about your spooky hauntings!

                Kirby G. Callam

                Director of Special Projects for D65

                D65 is happy to partner with the Evanston Public Library to bring coding to our 5th-8th graders via this citywide challenge! This is not easy stuff so stick with it, ask for help, learn from others, and persist! Hope to see you at the amazing Showcase on April 12th at 2PM where we all get to play the dozens of amazing video games, including yours!