During CS4Philly Week, students and stakeholders will discuss computer science in schools

If tech companies both large and small make decisions based on access to specialized talent, then growing Philly’s talent pipeline is key to scaling our local ecosystem.

Early and equitable access to computer science training — specifically via Philly’s public schools — is CS4Philly’s pathway to get to that scalability. The multi-stakeholder group, part of the Obama-era movement CSforAll, will spend all of next week convening students, parents and teachers to think about what that reality might look like beyond paper.

“Our objective is to inspire learning, awareness, and advocacy focused on the need for high quality computer science (CS) education for all Philadelphia children and youth,” said CS4Philly cofounder Naomi Housman in an email. “CS is the literacy our young people need to access college and career pathways in the innovation and tech economy.”

CS4Philly Week 2018, the local iteration of the National Computer Science Education Week happening Dec. 3 to 9, is comprised of six sessions that will involve stakeholders such as “civic, private, and public leaders in K-12 education,” plus higher ed, industry and more.

Sessions are free and open to all. Per Housman, adults — including but not limited to teachers and parents — have the duty to prepare the next generation with the knowledge, skills and abilities that will allow them to participate in the digital economy.

“We want our teachers and counselors to walk away from CS4Philly Week sessions with real tools and strategies to engage young people and remove barriers,” Housman said. “We want our community leaders and parents to walk away from the week’s activities knowing why CS matters from the standpoint of education and the economy, and what they can do to make the connection for their children in their own homes, communities, and neighborhoods.”