Almost $1 million in grants were awarded to improve access to computer science and related educational programs in Washington state, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced on October 31, 2017.
The grants allow districts, schools, and nonprofits to: train teachers; provide and upgrade technology; and expand access to girls, students from underrepresented populations, and communities who have historically been underserved.
This year’s grants were awarded to the following in the Southwest Washington region:
- ESD 112 – $22,000
- Vancouver School District – $5,000
- Wahkiakum School District – $24,000
“More students and educators will have access to cutting-edge technology with this funding,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. “This investment is key to our vision of supporting all students, including those who have historically not been as involved in computer science education as some of their peers. These kids will now have the tools needed to engage with the industries of the future—many of which are based right here, in Washington state. Congratulations to the grantees.”
The Washington State Legislature made $1 million available for computer science education grant funding through OSPI in 2017.
State grant funds must be matched equally by private sources, which effectively doubled the total grant amount to nearly $2 million for our state’s students and educators moving forward.
Washington state’s Computer Science K–12 Learning Standards must be used in the implementation of these grant projects. These programs support innovative ways to introduce and engage students from historically underrepresented groups including girls, students who are low-income, and students of color to computer science and to inspire them to consider computer science careers.
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