Diversity & Inclusion

Baltimore STEAM orgs want more partnerships with government and businesses

During Computer Science Education Week, Code in the Schools put students and stakeholders in the same room.

At a Code in the Schools workshop, November 2015. (Photo by Stephen Babcock)

Inside the University of Baltimore’s business school on Wednesday night, students were flying drones and showing off models of the world’s tallest building. All in the name of promoting computer science education.
Leaders and students from Code in the Schools, Digital Harbor Foundation, the Baltimore City Robotics Center, FutureMakers, Open Works and Maryland Out of Schools Time Network were there to show elected officials and the community their work.


Bilal Ali urged elected officials such as newly-elected City Councilors Zeke CohenKristerfer Burnett, Isaac Schleifer and a representative from Gov. Larry Hogan’s office not only to try the technology that was on display, but also to advocate for it with the new administration.
“These are the things that we need to be passionate about. It shouldn’t even be an option,” he said.
The event was one of the main Baltimore events held in conjunction with Computer Science Education Week. The message was that educating youth is part of ensuring the Baltimore tech community’s future growth. Expanding access to computer science programming involves getting schools, government and industry onboard, said Code in the Schools Communications Director Charlotte James.
“Twenty-first century skills acquisition is so critical for Baltimore city. We’re poised to be a leader in this new innovative economy, and we want to make sure we are including everyone in that effort,” she said.
The week also brought students together for #HourofCode events across the city. UMBC hosted students from Lakeland Elementary on Thursday.

Companies: Baltimore City Robotics Center / FutureMakers / Code in the Schools / University of Baltimore / Digital Harbor Foundation
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