Building Brighter Futures Through Empowerment in Tech

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Shrey Shah. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Shrey Shah, a high school student with a vision for change, is transforming his community one coding lesson and e-waste drive at a time. As the founder and executive director of the Redmond Code Association (RCA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Shrey leads an initiative that combines education, sustainability and innovation. Founded to address computer illiteracy in the Pacific Northwest, RCA has hosted 90 events, teaching over 15 coding languages to more than 6,500 students in the greater Seattle area. Shrey’s leadership has not only empowered students with valuable coding skills but also created a unique model for integrating environmental sustainability into education.

RCA’s groundbreaking “waste-to-education” program exemplifies Shrey’s innovative approach to problem-solving. Through two successful e-waste recycling drives, the organization collected over 2,800 pounds of old technology. These discarded devices are repurposed for computer literacy education, allowing RCA to host engaging online computer hardware events. The program has garnered significant attention, raising over $6,000 and earning coverage from major outlets like USA Wire and the Seattle Times.

Shrey’s leadership extends beyond logistics and programming. He manages a sprawling team of volunteers and mentors, including university students from institutions like UW and Berkeley, who assist in delivering RCA’s impactful programs. Under his guidance, RCA has educated over 6,000 students in hardware and software concepts while raising significant funds through partnerships with tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Shrey’s efforts have earned him accolades such as the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award and recognition in 425 Business’s “40 Under 40.”

Shrey Shah exemplifies how young leaders can create lasting change through passion and ingenuity. With RCA’s unique model of integrating sustainability and education, Shrey has built a movement that equips students with the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven world. As RCA continues to grow, Shrey’s leadership is paving the way for a more informed, connected and sustainable future.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

As the founder and executive director of Redmond Code Association, I manage the entire volunteering team, communicate with the board of directors and help the other vice presidents in their respective roles of marketing, technology, operations or finance. From developing the design of the organization to writing the business plan to building the website, I have been in the forefront of each influential decision for RCA.

Over the course of the organization’s existence, I have managed and directed over 40 volunteers. RCA, with its volunteer efforts, has hosted over 90 coding events, many of which I have personally taught. To date, we’ve impacted over 6,500 students in the greater Seattle area.

Why is this issue so important to you?

No matter the industry, profession or career path, computer science will play a role in shaping the future. It is important to ensure equitable access to up-to-date, high-quality computer science education and resources. Coming into high school, I wish there was a community where I could find support and learn more about computer science competitions (like USA Computing Olympiad). RCA is that community.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

Well, it’s paid. Coming into high school, I was eager to learn competitive programming, but quality resources were either locked behind subscription walls or priced beyond reach. I sought guidance, but found no platform that offered free resources, mentorship and hackathon tips all in one place. I decided to solve that. Even though friends and family set low expectations of success, I founded Redmond Code Association, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides accessible, free computer science education/career opportunities.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

The entire board is composed of high school seniors, meaning we will be graduating this year. However, rather than stepping down from our position and leaving the organization, we all hope to step up and take our parents’ positions in the Board of Directors. I hope to continue guiding major decisions of the organization and keep expanding RCA to become the largest coding organization in PNW.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

Beyond all the awards and news recognition, I personally feel the most rewarding part of my work is the work itself. Every step of the organization is full of meetings, planning and decision making with all the board members, but all these members are my friends. Meetings no longer feel like work anymore; instead they have become fun social events where we all are having entertaining conversations while productively contributing to the community.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Don’t let others define you. Starting RCA came with a lot of negative expectations from both friends and family, but pushing through all those comments allowed this organization to come into fruition. Everyone around me thought RCA would be a short-term project that would dissolve in months, but I didn’t take that advice to heart. I continued to follow my gut. If you have the passion and drive for something, take the risk and make it happen. It just takes time.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

We only live life once. Do you want to be remembered for playing video games or scrolling TikTok? No. I believe everything in your life should have an end goal of making a positive contribution in this world, and ultimately leaving the world a better place. Get involved in the causes you care about, as you can truly revolutionize the work of the organization with unique thoughts and perspectives. You have the potential to change your community, state, nation or even the world.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Get started. Don’t overthink all the “what if’s” in joining an organization or becoming a volunteer. Personally, volunteering has brought greater joy to me than any other activity in my life. Helping students while connecting with others has led to so many memorable experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I think you’ll find the same if you start volunteering today.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Shrey? Find local volunteer opportunities.