COE Spotlights Computer Science With Week of Events, Activities
SANTA CRUZ, CA — Computer science education creates career opportunities and has been shown to make a positive impact on students’ academic achievement, yet many students continue to lack adequate exposure to the field.
This year, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) is offering an expanded series of computer science related events and resources as part of Computer Science Education Week (CSEdweek). From December 5-11, CSEdWeek is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.
“We know that coding in the classroom has a profound impact, improving analytical and problem solving skills, helping to bridge the digital divide, and opening doors in the tech industry and beyond," said Jason Borgen, Chief Technology and Innovations Officer at the Santa Cruz COE. “This year's focus on CSEdWeek is part of our goal of supporting early and equitable access to computer science education for every Santa Cruz County student.”
The week kicks off with a Computer Science NOW! Equity Townhall from 6-7:30 p.m. December 5. Exploring both pathways and persistent barriers to the field, this virtual event features a local student and a panel of industry representatives. Panelists include:
■ Kathy Astromoff, formerly Apple Game Design
■ Aaliyah Naance, PayStand
■ Terri Oropreza, Cabrillo College
■ Dustin Palea, UC Santa Cruz
■ Elizabeth Shaw, Santa Cruz COE
Later in the week, the Santa Cruz COE is hosting a hands-on CS Playground event from 4-6 p.m. December 8 at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.
A lineup of educator trainings and an activity and resource hub are also available as part of Computer Science Education Week. Go to sccoe.link/csedweek22 to learn more.
About the Santa Cruz County Office of Education
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) is a public agency striving to lead an equitable and innovative education system for all Santa Cruz County students. Under the leadership of Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah, the Santa Cruz COE accomplishes this mission by convening education leaders to catalyze systemic change; providing support and oversight to 10 public school districts; and offering a range of arts, environmental education, child development, career and technical education, and instructional programs and services directly to students, from birth through age 24 and beyond. For more information, visit santacruzcoe.org.