Momentum for computer science, but the fight is far from over
Hadi Partovi
Founder, Code.org // Angel investor: Facebook, DropBox, airbnb, Uber, etc // Boards: Axon, MNTN.
Today Congress took the first step in a long process to provide targeted funding for K-12 computer science. A key committee in the US Senate passed its funding proposal for education, which mentioned computer science as a priority.
It’s a disappointment but not a surprise the proposal didn’t include specific funding for computer science. Getting this funding won’t be easy. Congress needs to hear from you that they should make computer science more than a priority, and put targeted money behind it. More than ever, we need your help to succeed.
Act now: write your Senator and Representative
Why is there momentum behind this issue if they didn’t specifically fund CS?
In addition to the mention of computer science in the funding proposal, a bipartisan group of five Senators -- Daines (R-MT), Hoeven (R-ND), Murray (D-WA), Merkley (D-OR) and Murkowski (R-AK) -- mentioned the need to address computer science as the Congressional process moves forward. Computer science dominated the committee’s discussion on education. When champions like this emerge publicly it's a big deal, and we thank them for their public support.
This is a winning issue with bipartisan support
More than hundred thousand people signed a petition asking Congress to fund K-12 computer science. And 28 Governors and more than 75 CEOs and education leaders asked Congress to support this. The issue has broad bipartisan support -- including from the President of the US.
There are more than 500,000 open computing jobs in the US right now. Computing jobs are now the #1 source of all new wages in the US, and growing at twice the average rate. And yet 75% of schools still don’t offer computer science. Targeted funding for K-12 computer science should be a priority for Congress.
The Senate’s action is just the first step in a long Congressional process. We expect the House to release its proposed education budget later this month.
This issue won’t be decided until later this year when Congress and the President agree on a final budget. That’s why Congress still needs to hear from you.
Tell your representatives directly that you support this issue. Use this link to ask them to support funding for K-12 computer science.
Act now: write your Senator and Representative
Many members of Congress – Republicans and Democrats alike – are strong champions and supporters for this initiative, and we look forward to working with them to make our case in the coming months.
Hadi Partovi, Code.org
ENL TEACHER at Lackawanna City School Dist
8 年He was a Hero to many! Computer science funding for schools should be supported, after all computing jobs are rapidly growing! Even all state assessments will eventually be computerized for students so it is crucial to gain more funding in this area.
Chief Advocacy Officer | American Psychological Association |The Hill 2023 Top Lobbyist| NILE 2024 Top 100 Lobbyist
8 年Code.org-- more transparency please! You should state that this is a big money grab for your organization - a huge earmark of sorts. FIRST Robotics and many other programs should get a piece of the pie you are trying to singlehandedly gobble up. Don't be fooled by supporting this earmark.
Digital Marketing Consultant ( 10+ Years Experiences as Social Media Strategist | Digital Marketing Lecturer | Search Engine Optimization Expert | WordPress Specialist | E-commerce Strategist)
8 年God blessed him
Export Manager at CHARTIDOR COMPANY LTD
8 年great
Educational Designer, Student Development Mgr, eXperienced Global Teacher
8 年He fought a good fight, and in his memory We believe that the Spirit of Man can overcome any struggle! May he rest in Peace???? (US fist bump/not KO??)