Gwinnett County Public Schools: Computer Science Is Everywhere!

Press release from Gwinnett County Public Schools:

12.06.21

Computer Science Week 2021

Technology is rapidly changing society, education, and the workplace. In fact, our kids probably don’t remember a time when they didn’t have regular access to a powerful computer—whether that’s a tech-powered gaming system or toy at home, a laptop at school, a Chromebook in their backpack, or a smartphone in their back pocket.

As technology changes the way we live and work, it’s more important than ever that students in our schools have opportunities to grow as tech users and innovators.

Computer science is pervasive in the world around us, but CS jobs are not restricted to technology companies alone. “Computing jobs are the number one source of new wages in the U.S., yet two-thirds of CS jobs are outside of the tech sector, says “says Sallie Holloway, GCPS’ director of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Science (CS). “Learning computer science provides students with immense opportunities to apply their skillsets in a variety of fields and interests.”

A focus on the broad application of computer science skills across the workplace inspires the theme for this year’s Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 6-10)—Computer Science is Everywhere!

This week, our schools are celebrating the many ways computer science and AI are used to innovate and improve the world around us. Throughout the week, students will be participating in classroom activities, family events, “Hour of Code” challenges, drone races, cyber-competitions, and more!

While computer science will be in the spotlight this week, know that our students have many opportunities to experience CS throughout the school year—from CS “specials” and clubs to robotics teams and CS-related courses and pathways. Through a multi-year initiative called Computer Science 4 All (CS4ALL), GCPS is working to increase access to high-quality and inclusive computer science learning experiences where all students belong and learn the skills needed for their future, says Mrs. Holloway.

“We know that CS and AI skills lead to high-wage, in-demand careers so we are committed to ensuring all students—especially those who are underrepresented in these fields—have opportunities to learn more about CS,” says Mrs. Holloway. “We believe that all students deserve the opportunity to become producers, not just consumers, of technology.”

#CSEverywhere

Computer Science in the world of work

The school district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are fortunate to work closely with a host of dedicated community and business partners…throughout Gwinnett and metro Atlanta and across industries. With their expertise and their future-focused commitment, they help to expose our students to a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, in-demand careers with real-life opportunities to explore the world of work and explore their future!

Our business partners—representing a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing—share how critical computer science and artificial intelligence are to their respective fields:

“We need people with technological skills to maximize the impact we are making in the community [with community gardens].” Brad Livesay—Harvest Gwinnett Program Supervisor, Department of Community Services, Gwinnett County Government

“The ‘internet of things’ (IoT) is here to stay so the opportunities to develop programs and ‘plug ins’ for our everyday devices is real and it is going to take a large and highly skilled workforce to keep up with the pace of the digital world we live in.” Tom Kirchner—Integration Solutions Manager, MetroPower

“The infrastructure industry is changing. The technical jobs of the future will include some sort of computer and/or AI skill requirements. We are looking for this next generation to lead the way in putting new computer technologies to work.” Charity Rutledge—Human Resources and Safety Manager, JDS Inc.

“Computer science and artificial intelligence are integral components to the healthcare technology industry. It is imperative that we provide the resources and train our students to understand the importance of CS and AI.” Shelli-Ann McKenzie, MS, RN, PMP, CPHIMS—Director, Enablement and HER Solutions Engineering

“Computer science is ubiquitous in my industry. There is a combination of research and development demand for artificial Intelligence. This will maintain the high demand for engineers and scientists trained in computer science for years to come.” Scott Cummings—Senior Program Manager, Broadcom Corporation

Click here to learn more about how a CS education prepares students for a range of careers across industries.

This press release was produced by Gwinnett County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.