Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, along with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, announced a $150,000 grant to bolster a new pilot program that aims to train teachers and bring computer science into all Wisconsin K-12 classrooms.
“Technology is the pathway to innovation in everything from healthcare and education to manufacturing and commerce. It is the future of our state and our economy,” said Gov. Evers. “These funds will be an important resource to ensure our kids – even as young as kindergarten – have the opportunity to explore computer science and expand their skills, all while providing students with important outlets to get creative and grow academically.”
In a press release, Gov. Evers explained that the Targeted Industry Projects grant will support the Computer Science Talent Ecosystem Youth (CSTEY) project. The program provides teacher training and curriculum development. Additionally, the program places industry volunteers into classrooms and creates internship opportunities for older K-12 students.
The project, which is led by the Cooperative Education Service Agency (CESA) 7, is currently being tested in Brown County schools. Jeff Dickert, CESA 7 agency administrator, said in a press release that if the program is successful, administrators would like to see the program expand statewide.
“We have the talent in our schools to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow in the computer science world,” Dickert said. “The training we are providing to educators and the partnerships we are establishing with businesses will make students successful in the classroom and the workforce. This grant will carry on the momentum we have established in our schools.”
