Code NL's James Flynn is N.L.'s next Rhodes Scholar

Newfoundland native James Flynn says he's stunned after being named a Rhodes Scholar for 2016.

"It still doesn't feel real. It all feels like a dream," said Flynn, in an interview with the St. John's Morning Show.

The Rhodes Trust was founded in 1903 from the will of Cecil Rhodes, and scholarships are awarded each year to 11 Canadian students, and 89 students worldwide who are planning to pursue postgraduate studies.

As one of the world's most prestigious scholarships, it includes all college fees, airfare to and from Oxford University at the beginning and end of the scholarship, and a personal stipend for each winner.

"One of the big things I think about the Rhodes Scholarship is that there's no singular path to winning it," said Flynn

"You have to work hard, give back to your community, contribute to society, it's kind of a broad range of things."

Started CodeNL

Flynn is currently studying economics and political science at the University of Toronto, but is perhaps best known for his work founding Code NL, a not-for profit organization that promotes the need for computer programming in schools across Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Computer programming is the language that drives computers today," he said.

"We want to expose all kids to that. We believe it influences creativity skills, problem solving skills, and also critical thinking skills that will help students progress through school and also through their careers."

In addition to his work with Code NL, Flynn is the online editor of The Varsity, the University of Toronto's student newspaper.

Before attending the University of Toronto, Flynn participated in a month-long SHAD program for outstanding high school students.

Once he arrives at Oxford, Flynn says he plans to pursue a masters degree in social science of the Internet in his first year, and finish that off by pursuing a master of public policy in his second year.

He will begin studying at Oxford in October of 2016.