Mahanoy receives $35k to expand computer science ed
Sentinel Staff Reports | [email protected]
MAHANOY CITY – Mahanoy Area was among a group of 163 school districts, charter schools, and intermediate units to receive a $35,000 grant from $5.7 Million in grant funding to expand computer science classes and teacher training.
The grants are PAsmart Targeted grants, which are a part of a larger effort to “bring high-quality computer science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education” to schools, according to a media release.
“PAsmart is strategically investing in science and technology education so students develop the skills they need for high-demand jobs,” Governor Tom Wolf said in the release. “To be successful, we must also invest in our educators by providing them the training to teach these critical subjects.
“Through PAsmart, we are developing the most prepared and talented workforce in the country, which will help students excel, grow the middle class, and strengthen the economy for everyone,” he added.
Over the next 10 years, the media release claims, 71 percent of new jobs in Pennsylvania will require employees to use computers and new technologies.
“Job growth in the STEM and computer science field is driving the Pennsylvania and national economies, and Governor Wolf recognizes that expanding access to these programs is absolutely critical to preparing students for an ever-changing workforce,” said Secretary Pedro A. Rivera, Department of Education. “PAsmart grants help train educators so they are providing high-quality STEM and computer science instruction and experiences in their classrooms to students of all ages, including those who have been historically underserved and underrepresented in these opportunities and fields.”
Each recipient will receive $35,000, which the state says will help schools introduce and expand computer science programming and to provide educators from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with training to teach CS.
Mahanoy Area was the only northern Schuylkill school to receive such a grant.
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