North Carolina Boosts Computer Science Education with $800,000 in Grants
In a significant push to enhance computer science education, 18 school districts across North Carolina have been awarded a total of $800,000 in grants. These funds aim to equip students with essential skills in coding and mobile app development, preparing them for the burgeoning tech industry.
Initiated in 2017 and funded by the North Carolina General Assembly, the Coding and Mobile App Development Grant program fosters collaborations between schools and local businesses. This initiative is designed to support the development of comprehensive computer science curricula in middle and high schools.
This year, the awarded grants range from $13,000 to $80,000. The allocated funds enable schools to acquire necessary equipment, invest in digital resources, and cover expenses related to teacher training. This ensures educators are well-prepared to deliver high-quality coding and computer science education.
The primary goal for this year’s grant recipients is to implement North Carolina’s new K-12 Computer Science Standards. Emphasis is placed on professional development for teachers and innovative student engagement in computer science. Starting with ninth graders entering high school in the 2024–2025 academic year, completion of a computer science course will be a graduation requirement.
Collaborations with organizations such as VEX Robotics, TechSmart, STEM West, The Dot Consulting, Carolina Ballers, NASCAR, and Code.org are integral to the success of these initiatives, providing valuable industry insights and resources.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt highlighted the initiative’s importance: “We’re thrilled we were able to fund all 18 applications for the Coding and Mobile App Development Grant this year. The workforce here in North Carolina is changing rapidly, and we must respond with initiatives like this to ensure that students know about these high-wage, in-demand roles and are equipped to take advantage of them. The growth of technology-related jobs across the state and nation, especially those involving artificial intelligence, underscores the need to drive alignment between our K-12 education system and the needs of our businesses and industries.”
Some districts are expanding existing programs, while others are launching new ones this spring. The 2023-24 school year will see over 10,000 students and educators engage in courses and activities related to coding and mobile app development.
With these grants, schools are introducing work-based learning opportunities, professional development, and other educational activities. Eighteen schools or districts are enhancing or establishing new courses focused on coding for middle and high school students.
The following North Carolina school districts received grant awards:
| PUBLIC SCHOOL UNIT | GRANT AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Alexander County | $55,125.00 |
| Asheville City Schools | $13,820.00 |
| Bladen County | $13,819.00 |
| Cabarrus County | $80,000.00 |
| Caldwell County | $80,000.00 |
| Camden County | $13,820.00 |
| Catawba County | $80,000.00 |
| Edgecombe County | $13,819.00 |
| Hyde County | $13,819.00 |
| Lincoln County | $13,819.00 |
| Macon County | $80,000.00 |
| McDowell County | $75,000.00 |
| Northeastern Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies | $65,500.00 |
| Northampton County | $13,820.00 |
| Scotland County | $13,819.00 |
| Wayne County | $80,000.00 |
| Yadkin County | $13,820.00 |
| Yancey County | $80,000.00 |
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