Bubbles, Buttercup, and Blossom are stepping up as the latest champions to inspire kids to explore computer programming. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Cartoon Network is teaming up with Scratch, a no-cost online coding platform, to produce two special episodes of The Powerpuff Girls, where the trio will learn and apply coding skills.
Scratch, developed by MIT Media Lab's Lifelong Kindergarten Group, employs animations, games, and interactive tools to make coding engaging and approachable for young learners. This partnership will integrate beloved Cartoon Network characters to broaden its appeal and impact.
"We're thrilled to extend this opportunity to countless kids through our platforms," said Christina Miller, president and general manager of Cartoon Network, in an interview with THR. "This is the next generation of innovators. They have the ability to animate and create, and that's what makes us passionate about equipping them with these tools."
The two coding-focused episodes will debut tonight, with "Viral Spiral" airing on Comedy Central at 6:30 p.m. EST. (Check out the preview clip above.) Additionally, Bubbles, Buttercup, and Blossom will feature in a tutorial on the Scratch platform.
This collaboration is among numerous initiatives by companies aiming to expose children to coding, such as the scholarships and coding camps tailored for girls initiated by model Karlie Kloss earlier this year. Miller believes this movement could become a standard practice in the future.
"Coding has become an essential skill for today's youth," she remarked. "Back when we were in school, we were learning how to transition from print to script and deciding which language to study. Now, coding is seamlessly integrated into kids' daily routines, empowering them to create and innovate effortlessly."
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