A resolution supporting the ideals and goals of Computer Science Education Week was introduced on Monday by U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA).
Brooks and DelBene are the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Women’s High Tech Caucus. The goal of the caucus is to facilitate dialogue among policy makers who have an interest in innovation and crafting public policy related to technology.
“As a the former senior vice president for Ivy Tech Community College, I understand the importance of providing our kids with the skills that will help them succeed in college and throughout their career,” Brooks said. “To maintain our nation’s competitive edge, America must raise a new generation of innovators ready to meet the needs of a global and tech-driven economy. Computing plays a crucial role in aligning our current educational attainment gap and opportunities in the workforce, and Computer Science Education Week provides an opportunity to connect students with the computing fields.”
Brooks and DelBene also praised the strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and computer science provisions that were included in the recently passed Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 reauthorization. As part of the legislation, schools are encouraged to prioritize STEM and computer science education.
“As someone who had a long career in the technology sector before coming to Congress, I know firsthand how important it is that our kids develop the skills they need to have bright futures in the 21st century workforce,” DelBene said. “The future of innovation in the United States is going to rely in part on talented coders getting engaged early on in their education, which is why it’s so important that we expand access to next-generation learning opportunities through Computer Science Education Week and the Hour of Code.”
According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be approximately 10 million jobs in the STEM fields by 2022, with half of those jobs expected to be in computing and information technology.
Computer Science Education Week runs from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13.