Celebrated on the week of Grace Hopper's birthday, Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is a celebration of computers in our lives and history, with a focus on the education of the next generations of forward thinkers. It exists to raise awareness about the importance of preparing kids for the future ahead of them, a future so thoroughly intertwined with technology that they can no longer be unbound.

Girl Develop It Columbus shirts, "Code like a girl"!

Being a programmer, and one who took a long convoluted path to get there, I've written about Computer Science for GeekMom many times. I've written about why everyone should take a CS class, and why no one should be forced to take a CS class. I've pleaded for better female programmer role models on TV, and helped spread the word for programs that support female programmers, future programmers, or future female programmers. I've received numerous comments and personal emails from our readers, who wanted to know the best way to get in the field, and I gladly replied to every last one of them.

And so this week, I sign the CSEdWeek pledge once again. Hundreds have already signed the pledge, promising to raise awareness for Computer Science education through special activities and events. I may not have any fancy events planned, but I pledge to continue to share my love of CS with you, as I've done so often in my past year with GeekMom.

There's just so many cool programs available out there these days for beginner and experienced programmers alike, the field is more welcoming than ever before. Here are a few programming classes that I've heard great things about and seem to really raise the bar!

Hacker School - Hacker School is currently open for applications! I wrote about Hacker School when they announced the session-long partnership with Etsy last year. Hacker School is a very unofficial school, sort of a think tank for programmers who want to work together to become better programmers. They are a really cool bunch and I wish all applicants the best of luck! Application deadline is January 1st.

Girl Develop It - I heard about this organization on Twitter through Jen Myers, who teaches classes at the Columbus branch. They are also present in six other cities, and offer a great community for women (and men too!) to learn programming in a non-threatening environment. I love their "Code like a girl" shirt!

From 0 To C - Again, thank you Twitter! Creative technologist Ubi de Feo reached out to me about this amazing project. He teaches programming without computers! Man, this guy really gets it. He breaks down programming in a way that is tangible, literally.

Any other worthy group out there? Drop a note about them in the comments!