LAWRENCE, MASS. (WHDH) - Red Sox legend and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez launched an after-school coding program in Lawrence on Thursday.
The program will allow third and fourth-grade students from seven elementary schools in Lawrence to learn technical skills in a safe space. Speaking at South Lawrence East Elementary School, Martinez said he hopes he can inspire students to swing for the fences.
“Every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the supplies and resources that allow them to succeed in life today and for years to come,” Martinez said. “I’m just here to serve, so they can see me as a role model, because I was in worse places than they are right now. And I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to make something out of it.”
As part of the celebration, students were given gift bags, and got to also spend time with Wally the Green Monster.
The program is designed to bridge gaps and enhance classroom learning in the city. It will begin on October 5.
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