Lynn Klundt
Lynn Klundt, a Reference and Instruction librarian at Northern State University, is introducing local children in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to the world of coding. Leading the “Kids Who Code” club, Klundt has created a welcoming space for middle school students to explore technology and build essential coding skills in a supportive environment. Every Thursday from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m., the club gathers for self-paced lessons in Python, Scratch animations, and other coding basics.
It all began in 2016 when Klundt, along with a colleague, launched a “Girls Who Code” chapter, likely one of the first in South Dakota. Girls Who Code is an international non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young girls in computer science, a field historically dominated by men. Klundt has always had a fascination with emerging technologies and innovation, and she realized that a program like this would have been invaluable to her when navigating career and education choices. Though she ultimately pursued another degree other than computer science, her love for technology and passion for instruction inspired her to combine these interests to benefit her community. Setting up the chapter was straightforward—once approved, Klundt was added to a content shell and from the information provided, she created a robust curriculum and program tailored to young learners, aiming to make coding less intimidating and more engaging.
Seeing the positive impact “Girls Who Code” had on her students, Klundt noticed that many young boys in Aberdeen also needed a safe, inclusive place to learn coding. In response, she expanded the program to create “Kids Who Code,” opening it up to all middle school students in the area. This change allowed her to reach more children in Aberdeen and create a space where all young coders, regardless of gender, could feel welcomed and valued.
For Klundt, the club isn’t just about teaching technology—it’s also about building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging, an aim influenced by her personal life. She sees her own sixth-grade son Simon—quiet, thoughtful, and curious—reflected in many of her club members. “Middle school is such a critical time for children’s development,” Klundt shares. “I want these kids to feel supported and confident, to know that there’s a place for them.”
A shared grant with the Northern Innovation and Startup Center has helped Klundt fund valuable resources for the club. This includes access to Learning.com, which provides the Codesters curriculum for the Python programing, mini-computers, and Chromebooks. This grant has also introduced her to the world of non-profits and grant funding—skills that have been crucial to sustaining and expanding the club.
Looking to the future, Klundt hopes to take her students’ learning to new heights by participating in the national Youth Coding League competition. She believes this experience will deepen her students’ skills, build their confidence, and foster a sense of accomplishment. Reflecting on her journey, Klundt shares, “This experience has taught me the importance of starting small and learning as you go. There’s always a need for programs that support children’s growth, and I’m proud to be part of that.”
With her dedication to creating a supportive environment for young coders, Klundt is making a meaningful difference in Aberdeen, showing children that there’s a place for everyone in the tech world—one line of code at a time. Her influence has even inspired some of her students to pursue technology long-term; one of her early participants has gone on to study computer science in college, a testament to the impact of her work.
