Lawrence, Mass. – Former Red Sox pitcher and Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez, together with his wife Carolina, unveiled a new after‑school coding program on Thursday that will serve third‑ and fourth‑grade students at seven local elementary schools.
Program aims to give kids early access to technology
Martínez told the gathered students, “I had to struggle for everything I achieved in life, and I just want to make it easier for others to get to where I got.” The initiative will provide hundreds of children with laptops, software tools and guided instruction in coding and problem‑solving skills.
Carolina Martínez explained why the program focuses on younger students: “The earlier you get them, the more motivated they’re going to be, and the more resourceful they’ll become later on.” By introducing coding concepts early, the program hopes to build a pipeline of future innovators from the Lawrence community.
Local educators welcome the opportunity
South Lawrence East Elementary School principal Lori Butterfield praised the effort, noting that many students already use technology for games and apps. “They love playing games. They love using apps. They’re using AI all the time. I want them to learn how to create those things, and I think this program will allow them to do that,” she said.
Students at the launch event received school supplies and gift bags as part of a broader back‑to‑school celebration. Martínez emphasized his personal connection to the city: “I quickly identified the need, I found my culture, I found my people here. I found my roots,” he said.
Community impact and future plans
Martínez reflected on the power of a single opportunity, stating, “Remember, what you’re seeing right now is the product of an opportunity. Only one, and that’s all it took.” He added that he intends to return regularly to Lawrence to support the program and other community initiatives.
While the Red Sox are preparing for a postseason series against the Yankees, Martínez said he is ready to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation, even if he won’t be back on the mound: “I’ll be ready from here, to give them all the knowledge and everything, all the experience I’ve done before — I’m ready to do that any day. But physically, to go pitch? I have Payton Tolle and I have Sonny Gray to do it for me.”
The coding program is slated to begin this fall, with plans to expand to additional schools if demand grows. Parents and teachers are encouraged to contact the Lawrence school district for enrollment details.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
