Industry and Education Leaders Unite to Promote Computer Science Education in Schools

Industry leaders from major tech companies, alongside education organizations and superintendents, have called upon state governments to prioritize computer science education in schools, with a focus on making it a core subject, similar to basic biology or algebra. The move comes as the US faces a significant shortage of skilled computer science graduates, with over 700,000 open computing jobs and only 80,000 graduates per year.

The unprecedented coalition, led by Code.org, includes the founders and CEOs of Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon, as well as the CEOs of American Express, Nike, Starbucks, Delta Airlines, AT&T, UPS, Walgreens, and Hasbro. National education organizations, such as Khan Academy, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association, also support the initiative. The group aims to update the K-12 curriculum in each state to make computer science a core subject and ensure that all students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, have the opportunity to learn how technology works.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 500 industry, nonprofit, and education leaders have joined forces to promote computer science education in schools.
• The group aims to update the K-12 curriculum in each state, making computer science a core subject, like basic biology or algebra.
• Despite significant progress, only 5% of high school students study computer science, while there are over 700,000 open computing jobs and only 80,000 computer science graduates per year.
• The initiative focuses on making computer science education accessible to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Industry leaders have committed to creating employment opportunities for computer science students across the US.
• Superintendents and education organizations have pledged to prioritize computer science education in schools, with a focus on giving all students the opportunity to develop foundational computer science skills.

Statistics:

• 500+ industry, non-profit, and education leaders have signed the call for action.
• All 50 states have taken action to expand access to computer science in the last decade.
• Only 5% of high school students study computer science.
• There are over 700,000 open computing jobs in the US.
• Only 80,000 computer science graduates are produced per year.
• 15% of all students worldwide have participated in the annual Hour of Code campaign.

Sources:

• Code.org
• National Governors Association
• Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson