In an attempt to demystify computer programming and entice students to consider a career in the field, the school district organized an “Hour of Code” event last week as part of a national awareness campaign.

The Hour of Code, which is sponsored by the biggest names in computer and web technology, is an international program that aims to encourage more students to learn how to code to lessen a shortage of programmers.

Akins computer science teacher Elizabeth Phillips said students need to know that computer programing is a hot field to work in because 60 percent of software jobs in Austin aren’t  filled.

“They need the people and the starting salaries will probably be around $70,000 which is a great place to start,” she said.

According to the hourofcode.com, computer programming jobs are growing at twice the national average. There is also a large gap in terms of number of students who are majoring in computer science in college and the number of available jobs.

Sophomore Rosa Lucas, who is majoring in computer science, said she has always been fascinated with how computers work and how they output things in ways that people can understand and interact with. She is also interested in computer programming because she knows it’s a career field in which many jobs are available.

“Not a lot of people want to sit in front of computer writing code and making sure it works the way it is supposed to,” Lucas said. “But we use things created with code all the time when we are on our computers and phones.”

Phillips recommends that students check out the tutorials on hourofcode.com. There are activities for all skill levels, ranging from elementary level to college level, she said.

“Even if you’re starting from the very beginning there’s still stuff for you,” she said.