In his first policy proposal as a candidate for governor, Alec Ross called for computer science education for all students.
In a statement, the Baltimore resident called coding “the alphabet of the future.”
“Every student in Maryland, no matter what zip code they live in, should be learning computer science and coding – it’s the only way they’ll be prepared to compete in the changing economy,” Ross said.
He wants to set aside $10 million a year for computer science education. Specifically, Ross wants to require all schools in the state to offer computer science courses by 2022, create new access programs and increase internet connectivity. He also wants to get tech companies involved. Here’s the full proposal.
Ross, who worked on President Obama’s 2008 campaign and served in the State Department under Secretary Hillary Clinton, became the first Democrat to enter the 2018 race last month.
The policy announcement got coverage from Wired, with Ross telling the mag that his decision to run was “purely a by-product of Trump’s election.”
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