Computer Science for Every Student - A Big Step Forward

Yesterday, Accenture, with Code.org and fellow members of the Computer Science Education Coalition, sent an open letter to Congress to deliver a bipartisan message about opportunity and the American Dream. The ask is bold yet the message is simple: we believe every student in every school deserves to have an opportunity to learn computer science.  Digital disruption is fundamentally changing the world at an unprecedented rate.  But one thing is certain, it will be people first—today’s students—working together to navigate the change and to reimagine the world through technology. 

As Accenture’s chief coder, a title by the way I’ve given myself and am extremely proud of, I am excited about this grassroots effort, because it has incredible potential to help students across the United States explore and get hooked on computer science.

In particular I am proud of a recent announcement Accenture made around this joint effort with Code.org.  We are donating half a million dollars and additional pro bono services to support Code.org vision of expanding access to computer science and increasing participation by women and other underrepresented groups

I could not have said it better than Julie Sweet, Accenture’s chief executive in North America: “Accenture has long been committed to the ongoing effort of promoting computer science education in our schools. We are proud to expand our collaboration with Code.org by joining the Computer Science Education Coalition, hand in hand with other leaders in the technology industry, to urge change in the way we educate the next generation of technology innovators and prepare them for the 21st century workforce.”

This significant investment comes down to simple common sense. Put plainly: Digital natives can only be digital if they are given the tools to do so. Otherwise, we simply make the term an oxymoron. And savvy, well-educated digital natives will be required for the next wave of technology innovation.

Given that coding is the base for so many developing technologies and fields—from banking and eGovernment, to biotech and cognitive computing—it is fast becoming a basic skill necessary to thrive in the working world. While not every child will become a computer scientist, most will need to know basic coding to successfully navigate an increasingly connected world. Coding also offers benefits beyond the computer realm, advancing children’s logical processes and connective thinking.

Working to open computer science doors to young minds is the right thing to do, but not entirely a selfless endeavor. By 2020, the United States will have 1 million more computer science related jobs than graduates to fill them, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]. I know I’d like to avoid that labor shortage at Accenture. Exposing children at a young age to coding increases their chance of being able to fill those jobs successfully. It’s a win/win.

In addition to joining Code.org and others in the Computer Science Education Coalition, we are encouraging our U.S. Accenture employees to support this effort by signing the online petition. We’re also asking them to take to the social media streets to help us get the word out on this effort. Please join us in signing the online petition that supports this effort.

I’ll close with a few words from the open letter sent by the Coalition to Congress members: “At a time when every industry in every state is impacted by advances in computer technology, our schools should give all students the opportunity to understand how this technology works, to learn how to be creators, coders, and makers — not just consumers.”   That gets a standing ovation from this chief coder. Let’s help our children shape a future ripe with possibility.

[1] https://www.wired.com/2016/04/harvard-built-robot-teach-kids-code/