Twenty years later, I can still recall the moment I knew I could be a programmer.

In early 2000, I was a front-desk employee for a small resort in the artsy town of Ashland, Oregon. Often, while we check-in guests, we might get a dozen calls for simple information we could answer via email. At the time, it was common to have an email contact form for questions. 

Having little to no idea how to make a contact form, I scoured the internet for resources. After a day of digging, I found a website with a snippet of code that might work. With the support of our local IT shop, I published the code on the website, opened the webpage, filled out the form, and hit "submit." Low-and-behold, I got an email! 

Life is a team sport. When I think back to this moment, I think of all the people who had to give their time. When my co-founders and I started ZEAL, we knew we had to continue the cycle of giving back. Our core-focus had to center around supporting less-experienced folks on their way towards mastery. 

Our five core principles at ZEAL are a reflection of that focus to contribute: 

1. Always learn and grow 
2. Share your knowledge and expertise
3. Bridge the gap
4. Keep it essential
5. Take massive action, and deliver!
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LEARN academy and ZEAL share values. LEARN does more than teach people how to write code; they support their students by empowering them to create a vision for themselves that's compelling and exciting. Our shared values are where we've always found common ground and an opportunity to collaborate. 

Today marks another day in our collaboration together. Effective today, ZEAL is committing $25,000.00 in unrestricted matching funds to the LEARN Foundation.

‍We believe in the foundation's goal...‍

"...to break down barriers to success by offering scholarships to diverse, underserved populations who often face greater cultural and economic challenges."

‍Their mission is compelling, exciting, and will inevitably foster an even more equitable place for all of us.

Join us! Donate funds towards real change. Give to provide new opportunities to the folks who need it. And, when you do, we'll be here to match it.

Learn more or donate here