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Computational thinking is becoming increasingly essential to the development of a competitive and innovative workforce. This study examines work by researchers and practitioners in Mississippi to provide pathways for learning that make computing education accessible for all citizens. Assessments from a K-12 teacher professional development program will be discussed, in addition to outcomes from one year of a workforce development program.
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Mississippi Coding Academies: A non-traditional approach to computing education
Responsive to broadening participation in computing challenges, a collaborative network of higher education, non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, industry representatives, and other stakeholders has been established in Mississippi. Collective alliance initiatives are focused on current and arising challenges in access to computer science and technical education among under-resourced citizens. One program resulting from statewide partnerships that shows promise is the Mississippi Coding Academies. Originally designed to serve the emerging workforce of recent high school students not on a college-bound trajectory, the program is also providing a pathway for persons currently in the workforce who want to retool for the digital economy and accelerate income opportunity and growth. The approach to formal assessment with results thus far, and plans for longitudinal evaluation of the success of this program, is presented.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1649312
- PAR ID:
- 10109611
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- ASEE annual conference & exposition proceedings
- ISSN:
- 2153-5868
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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