Dive Brief:

• Since Code.org originally partnered with Microsoft in 2015 for Minecraft's first Hour of Code activity, more than 85 million users internationally have been "introduced" to code through Minecraft, reports Code.org in a Medium post.  

• Microsoft is creating three different "adventures" for Minecraft's partnership in Hour of Code. Students are already familiar with the game's characters, elements and sounds, making advances in coding easier for children, according to the report.

• Students are also using Minecraft to learn skills beyond computer science, including algebra, history and chemistry.

Dive Insight:

Creating a generation cognizant of computer science skills is pertinent to the workforce demands of the 21st century.

Microsoft is already working to engage children in STEM careers with its TEALS program, which began in 2009. The program serves about 350 schools in 29 states, including Washington, D.C. Of the 12,000 students it's working with, 33% are young girls, according to the company.

However, despite the best efforts of companies like Microsoft, legislation is slow-moving to implement widespread computer science courses in schools across the country. Proper education and marketing campaigns are key to igniting enough intrigue in young children in a field that's already desperate for more talent.

To compensate, companies that represent childhood favorites like Minecraft, Hot Wheels and Barbie are working to group loved characters and code together. By 2020, Barbie's parent company, Mattel, plans to bring coding to 10 million children, specifically young girls looking at careers as a pet vet, astronaut or robotics engineer.