Code.org Restructures for Sustainability While Continuing Educational Mission
In a strategic move aimed at ensuring its long-term sustainability, Seattle-based nonprofit Code.org has made the difficult decision to reduce its workforce by 14%, affecting 18 employees. The organization, which has become a cornerstone of computer science education since its founding in 2013, confirmed the restructuring to GeekWire on Wednesday. Following these changes, Code.org will continue its educational mission with a team of 107 dedicated professionals who remain committed to expanding access to computer science education for students worldwide. While acknowledging the significant contributions of those departing the organization, Code.org expressed gratitude for their efforts that have helped millions of educators and students around the globe.
Founded by brothers Hadi and Ali Partovi with the vision of democratizing computer science education, Code.org has grown into an educational powerhouse over the past thirteen years. The nonprofit has successfully secured nearly $60 million in funding from tech industry giants including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, allowing it to build an impressive global footprint. Today, the organization’s platform serves an extraordinary 102 million students and 3 million teachers worldwide, with students having created more than 232 million projects. This remarkable reach demonstrates the organization’s effectiveness in making computer science education accessible to children who might otherwise never have the opportunity to develop these increasingly essential skills.
At the helm of Code.org is CEO Hadi Partovi, whose background combines technical expertise with business acumen. As a former Microsoft manager, Partovi brought valuable industry knowledge to the nonprofit sector. His business instincts have been repeatedly validated through early investments in companies that would become tech giants, including Facebook, Dropbox, Airbnb, and Uber. This blend of technical understanding and strategic vision has helped position Code.org as a leading force in addressing the critical shortage of computer science education in schools across America and beyond. Under Partovi’s leadership, the organization has not only created educational content but has also advocated for policy changes that make computer science a fundamental part of the educational curriculum.
Despite the organizational restructuring, Code.org emphasized that its core mission remains unchanged. The nonprofit will continue its innovative educational initiatives, including the popular Hour of AI campaign that introduces artificial intelligence concepts to students in an accessible format. This campaign represents the organization’s evolution to address emerging technologies that will shape future workforces. Beyond direct educational programming, Code.org remains committed to policy reform efforts that aim to make computer science and AI education standard components of classroom curriculum nationwide. These dual approaches—providing both educational resources and advocating for systemic change—have been hallmarks of Code.org’s strategy since its inception.
The current restructuring reflects broader challenges faced by many nonprofits in maintaining financial sustainability while pursuing ambitious missions. By making these difficult decisions now, Code.org appears to be taking proactive steps to ensure it can continue serving students and teachers for years to come. The organization has built a substantial technological infrastructure and educational content library that will continue to benefit learners even as it adjusts its operational approach. The focus on sustainability suggests a mature organizational perspective that balances immediate impact with long-term viability—an essential consideration for any organization seeking to create lasting change in education.
As Code.org navigates this transition, its impact on computer science education remains profound. The organization has been instrumental in changing perceptions about who can learn computer science, making coding accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and historically underrepresented groups in the tech industry. Through engaging, game-like learning experiences, Code.org has demystified computer science for millions of young learners, potentially altering their educational and career trajectories. While the organization faces the immediate challenge of restructuring, its foundation of educational content, advocacy work, and technological platforms positions it to continue its mission of ensuring that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core curriculum, preparing them for a future where digital literacy and computational thinking are fundamental skills.
