In a bid to expand computer science education across the commonwealth, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is awarding $265,025 in grants to nine school districts to establish and promote rigorous, engaging and standards-aligned digital literacy and computer science education.
“Digital literacy and computer science skills are important for all students, and grants like this help increase access and participation,” said Gov. Healey. “I look forward to seeing the opportunities that these districts will create for their students.”
The funding is intended to help districts expand digital literacy and computer science education into an adjacent grade span, with a focus on ensuring that all students in that grade are receiving computer science education. The funding continues work that began last year for either grades 3-5 or grades 6-8.
“Computer science and digital literacy are embedded in a wide range of jobs in the Massachusetts economy, and all students should learn about the many ways those areas are part of our everyday lives,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “I’m glad to see teachers, schools and districts using these grants to expand access.”
According to the governor’s office, the three-year grant requires district teams to meet and develop a Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Implementation Plan, select high-quality instructional materials, and select teachers to attend summer professional development that will prepare them to teach computer science in the following school year. Districts will also participate in workshops that will focus on strategies to increase participation rates for traditionally underserved students.
“When students experience engaging, relevant lessons in digital literacy and computer science in elementary and middle school, they may be more likely to continue studying those areas in high school and beyond,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “Through efforts like our STEM Summit and this grant, we are inspiring students, particularly those who were historically excluded, to see themselves in these fields.”
