BCPS Participates in $2 Million Grant to Expand Computer Science in Schools Nationwide

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is proud to partner with the non-profit organization, Digital Promise, to help expand computer science in schools, not just in Broward County, but across the nation.

BCPS is one of six school districts across the country invited by Digital Promise to collaborate in a new, four-year, $2 million National Science Foundation Research-Practice Partnership. It’s called Districts Helping Districts: Scaling Inclusive Computational Thinking Pathways. The goal of the partnership is to develop and refine strategies for increasing computer science participation by learners from underrepresented backgrounds.

The District’s work for the grant is kicking off as BCPS celebrates Computer Science Education Week (December 5 – 11), which was expanded this year to include “Hour of Code” activities throughout the entire month of December. The annual Hour of Code celebration raises awareness about the importance of expanding access to computer science in schools and inspires students to complete at least one hour of coding activities this month. The theme for BCPS this year is Discover the Metaverse: Create Your Place in Cyberspace.

“We’re preparing all our students for life and their future careers, where virtual and real-life experiences intersect,” said BCPS STEM + Computer Science Supervisor Dr. Lisa Milenkovic. “In every industry pathway – whether you are working in a retail sector, a tech sector or anything in between – the impact of technology and the need for computer science skills continues to grow.”

“As a diverse, urban school district, we are in a unique position to share what we have learned about expanding computer science in schools and the strategies we are using to meet the needs of every student,” added BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “Through this partnership, we will help our peer school districts grow their computer science programs to ultimately have computer science available in every school and for every student.”

As part of BCPS Computer Science Education Month, students will showcase their creations and participate in an Hour of Code with Superintendent Cartwright on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center, Boardroom, located at 600 S.E. Third Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale. The fun takes place from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

To learn more about the District’s commitment to computer science in schools, visit browardschools.com/browardcodes.

 

About Broward County Public Schools

“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.”

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, serving more than 256,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult learners in 240 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 90 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 170 different countries and speaking 147 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow them on twitter.com/browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

 

Photo Credit: Broward County Public Schools

Date Posted: December 5, 2022