ScratchJr, founded in Boston, Massachusetts, is dedicated to introducing young children (ages 5-7) to the basics of programming through an intuitive and engaging platform. The company's core mission is to empower children to create their own interactive stories and games, fostering problem-solving skills, creativity, and digital literacy. ScratchJr offers a free app where children can snap together graphical programming blocks to animate characters, add voices, sounds, and photos. This initiative is inspired by the popular Scratch programming language.
Notable affiliated individuals include researchers from MIT Media Lab and Tufts University who have contributed to its development. ScratchJr has received support from prominent educational foundations and organizations. Key achievements include widespread adoption in educational settings and the publication of "The Official ScratchJr Book" and "ScratchJr Coding Cards," which provide additional resources for learning. The overall impact of ScratchJr is significant, as it introduces foundational coding skills to young learners, promoting early STEM education and creative expression.