CEDAR FALLS, IOWA (November 17, 2022) — Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) takes place December 5-11, 2022, and is an annual call to action to provide American youth with resources to learn more about computer science, explore the opportunities that exist, and encourage participation in computer-science education.
“Computer Science is an important component of educating our youth,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “That’s why in 2020, I signed into a law a bill that requires all K-12 schools provide computer-science courses and the results we are seeing are incredible! When I visit STEM-based classrooms and see even our youngest students utilizing computer technology to advance their learning, I know they are learning skills that will benefit them greatly throughout their lives.”
The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council in partnership with numerous partners will offer a variety of resources, panel opportunities, and activities for anyone interested in learning more about computer science at iowastem.org/csedweek.
Scheduled activities for Computer Science Education Week include:
- December 5
- 9AM — Panel for Secondary Students: “What it’s like to be a computer scientist”
- 10AM — Panel for Non-Traditional Learning Environments (Librarians, After-School Providers, Homeschool, 4-H): “How to include CS in your programming”
- 4PM — Panel for Classroom Educators: “How to grow CS in your building and/or district”
- December 6
- 3:30PM — Panel for School Counselors: “How to impact and support all learners with CS”
- 4:30PM — Panel for School Administrators: “NOT one more thing! How to build a CS culture, incorporate into core content, support implementing your K-12 CS plan”
- December 7
- 11AM — Panel for Business and Community Partners: “How to support CS efforts in your community, school districts and/or building”
- December 8
- 6:30PM — Virtual Family Coding Night
Throughout the week, schools and other education providers in Iowa and all around the world will offer activities and programs to engage students in computer-science education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall demand for jobs in computer science is expected to increase 22% by 2032. The increased need emphasizes the importance of providing all students the opportunity and access to computer-science education and skills-training required for related career fields.
“No one would doubt the centrality of computing in all of our lives as consumers, but what CSEdWeek represents is the need for centralizing computing as a career pathway for the myriad roles today’s youth will grow into whether in healthcare, finance, construction, manufacturing, food production, etcetera,” said Jeff Weld, executive director of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. “This week is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the inescapable and exciting reality that computer science is woven throughout the fabric of students’ lives here in Iowa, presenting rewarding future options to all.”
The 2022 State of Computer Science Education report indicates 71% of Iowa high schools currently offer computer science — compared to 53% nationally. The report also stated that in 2022, Iowa averaged 6,204 open computing jobs every month.
The following companies and organizations are partners with Iowa’s STEM Council to help build awareness and provide various resources, events and activities to integrate high-quality computer science education throughout Iowa’s educational systems.
- Alliant Energy
- Bio::Neos
- Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) Iowa
- Iowa’s Area Education Agencies
- Iowa Business Council
- Iowa Department of Education
- Iowa Technology and Education Connection
- Iowa Workforce Development
- Kirkwood Community College
- Microsoft
- NewBoCo K-12 Education
- Technology Association of Iowa
Learn more about CSEdWeek activities by visiting iowastem.org/csedweek. Follow on social media using the hashtag #CS4IA to see Computer Science Education Week events happening throughout Iowa.
About the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council:
Established in July 2011 via Governor’s Executive Order, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies, and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa’s educational system focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The STEM Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain our state’s historic leadership position in education, and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 58-member STEM Council is co-chaired by Governor Kim Reynolds and Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services Diane Young. For more information, visit https://iowastem.org.
