Where Creativity Meets Coding
Fiesta Code + AI brings free, bilingual, hands-on coding and AI workshops to elementary and middle school students right here in El Paso. We call them Code Jams—and they're all about learning by doing.
For us, coding isn't just about writing lines of code. It's about learning to think creatively, solve problems, and believe you can build something real. Our workshops meet students wherever they are, whether it's their very first time seeing code or they're already experimenting with AI.
Why We Started This
Fiesta Code + AI was founded by Marcus Hunt after his experience winning the Congressional App Challenge for Texas District 16 with his app, Care Companion, and presenting his work in Washington, D.C. That experience showed Marcus what can happen when young people are given an opportunity to explore technology and build something of their own. It also made him think about younger students in El Paso who may not have access to those same opportunities. Fiesta Code + AI was created to help change that—to give students an early introduction to coding and AI in an environment that is free, bilingual, welcoming, and hands-on.
Accessible. Community-driven. Culturally vibrant.
Today, Fiesta Code + AI has served more than 200 students through workshops and programs with community partners including the Mexican American Cultural Center, El Paso Public Library, La Nube, and YWCA. Along the way, Marcus has helped train seven student volunteers and contributed more than 150 volunteer hours to expanding access to technology education. The goal is simple: help more young people see technology not as something distant or complicated, but as something they can understand, create with, and use to solve real problems.
Our Programs
So, What Actually Happens at an Event?
Each Code Jam is built around interactive stations that students rotate through. Here's what that looks like:
Beginner-friendly projects
No experience needed. Every station is designed so anyone can jump in and start creating something.
Small group collaboration
Students work together in small teams, rotating through guided activities and building real projects along the way.
Mentorship from student leaders
High school volunteers lead each station, making the experience feel relatable and encouraging for younger students.
Real-world tech exploration
From AI tools to community-focused software, students see how technology actually helps people in their everyday lives.
Every station is intentionally designed to be:
Kids leave with more than new skills -- they leave knowing what's possible.
It Takes a Community
None of this would work without the people behind it. Fiesta Code partners with local organizations, schools, and everyday community members who believe that every kid deserves a chance to explore technology.
Our volunteer team is a mix of high school student leaders and community professionals, all showing up for the same reason: to help the next generation of builders get started.
In the News
Fiesta Code has been recognized in local media for developing technology that directly supports families and caregivers -- a reflection of how young people can create real tools that make a difference.
El Paso Inc. · 2025
“El Paso High Schoolers Develop App to Aid Caregivers”
Local students are making waves in the tech community, building innovative solutions that address real-world challenges facing their community.
External link opens El Paso Inc.
Code with purpose. Build to help. Learn by doing.
Meet the Founder
Fiesta Code & AI was started by Marcus Hunt, a student innovator who believes young people don't have to wait to make a difference -- they can start building today.
After creating technology projects aimed at solving real-world problems, Marcus saw firsthand how powerful coding can be for individuals and families. But he also noticed something: a lot of younger students simply never get the chance to try it.
That's why Fiesta Code exists.
What started as a personal passion for tech grew into something bigger -- a mission to make coding feel accessible, welcoming, and rooted in community. By pairing high school mentors with younger students, Fiesta Code doesn't just teach technical skills. It builds confidence.
When students see someone just a few years older leading the way, technology feels possible. And when technology feels possible, opportunity expands.
Where We're Headed
Fiesta Code is more than a workshop. It's a growing community dedicated to building confidence, connection, and opportunity -- one student at a time.
Come Be Part of It
Whether you're a student ready to try something new, a parent looking for hands-on learning, or a volunteer who wants to mentor the next generation -- there's a place for you here.