Brooks and DelBene Encourage Support of Computer Science Education Week to Prepare Students for Next Generation Careers

Press Release

Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA1) today introduced a resolution, H. Res. 554, supporting the goals and ideals of Computer Science Education Week. Computer Science Week is celebrated December 7-13, 2015.

"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."

We are pleased that strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and computer science provisions were included in the recently passed authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The legislation encourages schools to prioritize computer science and STEM education. It is especially important given that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that in the year 2022, there will be roughly 10 million jobs in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Of those jobs, half are expected to be in computing and information technology.

"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."

National Computer Science Education Week was established in 2009 to coincide with the birthday of United States Navy Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, one of the first women in the field of computer science. Rear Admiral Murray Hopper laid the foundation for generations of advancements in computer science, engineered new programming languages, and pioneered standards for computer systems. Today, Computer Science Education Week provides a unique opportunity to connect students with opportunities in computer science and honor the extraordinary achievements of Rear Admiral Murray Hopper.

Rep. Brooks and Rep. DelBene serve as the co-chairs of the Congressional Women's High Tech Caucus. The bipartisan caucus aims to facilitate a dialogue among policy makers who take an interest in innovation and the crafting of public policy related to technology. The caucus further aims to support the development and advancement of women in technology. http://womenshightech.org/about-us/

For more information, please visit: https://csedweek.org/. For more information on the Computer Science Education Week resolution, please click here.

Source