As a junior in high school, Avnit Kaur is as much focused on making sure our students have meaningful careers when they’re ready to enter the workforce as she is… Continue Reading
As a junior in high school, Avnit Kaur is as much focused on making sure our students have meaningful careers when they’re ready to enter the workforce as she is on her future in computer science.
That vision aligns perfectly with KidWorks’ long-term focus encouraging students to attend a college/university and obtain the full range of skills employers seek.
Our highly motivated May 2025 KidWorks “Volunteer of the Month” launched her own company in July 2023: CodeLegacy (https://www.mycodelegacy.com), which she describes as “a site where people can book a software programming coaching session.” She donates proceeds to KidWorks.
Avnit also founded a club in high school named Girls Who Code.
“The purpose of Girls Who Code is to spark girls’ interest in computer science,” Avnit said.
For the past two years she’s made Girls Who Code part of KidWorks University, volunteer-led workshops in areas such as careers, art, science, technology, cooking, writing and more.
Avnit has conducted Girls Who Code workshops for the past two years at KidWorks; both boys and girls can participate. Each session has welcomes up to 30 students. She’s also volunteered as a tutor for three years in our after-school programs.
“The workshops focus on game development, using Java Script and Python Programming,” Avnit says. “The students use coding and software to create their own games.”
“Avnit’s coding workshops introduce students to different types of careers and skills,” says Haide Gutierrez, Site Supervisor of our Townsend Street center. “In school, they hear about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and coding all the time, but it’s incredibly difficult for them to obtain in-depth experiences to the degree that Avnit offers our students.”
She adds, “I see firsthand how excited our students are to play the games they’ve personally coded. These experiences motivate our students to consider STEM-based careers.”
“Avnit has a unique ability to be fully present and warmly inviting whenever she’s volunteering,” says Rachel Cervantes, our Volunteer Manager. “Her heart is magnetic and so beautiful.”
Rachel, adds, “We appreciate Avnit’s generosity and willingness to give so freely of her time, talents and treasures. She juggles her school and life so well and is super consistent in her volunteering.”
Rachel notes that Avnit has been a volunteer since 2022, with over 107 hours serving as a tutor in our after-school programs, assisting with food preparation, leading workshops, attending our community events and providing financial support.
Jason Cruz, our Volunteer Coordinator, says that Avnit’s workshops exceed all expectations.
“These workshops provide students with key skills that foster an ongoing interest in coding, computer science and engineering,” Jason says.
“Just as valuable is the positive impact the workshops have in encouraging problem solving, logic, creativity and so much more,” he adds. “KidWorks strives to deliver content to our students that lead to college and meaningful career paths; Avnit helps us immensely by creating a bridge for our students toward the tech industry. Her club’s representation of women in technology truly inspires.”
Serving our students is a family affair for Avnit and her siblings.
Her brother, Amitoj Singh, was our February 2020 Volunteer of the Month. He is now a junior studying computer science and business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Her brother, Arjit Singh, was our July 2023 Volunteer of the Month. He is now a freshman studying neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University.
“My brothers inspired me to give KidWorks a try,” Avnit says. “KidWorks does an amazing job helping students through afterschool program and by providing them opportunities to explore their passion in science, math and computers. I wanted to be part of this journey and contribute.”
Avnit also knows that life extends beyond the computer screen.
“I have very fond memories of KidWorks’ summer field trips,” she says. “The students look at me as a big sister and asked help in getting anything from popcorn to cotton candy.”
In her spare time, Avnit enjoys playing the harmonium, an Indian piano, at her temple.
“I also have a passion for singing and participate in my high school choir and at a senior living home,” Avnit says.
Avnit has invested deeply in our students through her generosity and knowledge. The pursuit of her own academic and career success is equal to what she desires for our students and their own bright futures.
