According to Code.org, there are currently 604,689 open computing jobs in the US, but only 38,175 computer science students graduated into the workforce last year.
So earlier this month, CBI Tech and Hudson Valley P-TECH logged on to take part in the Hour of Code, a global movement to promote K-12 computer science education.
Launched in December 2013 by Code.org, the Hour of Code aims to inspire and increase diversity in computer science, a key driver of innovation and job creation.
The Hour of Code is just one way that Rockland BOCES students are exploring computer science. Here are a few more:
- Computer Information Technology is one of three areas of study at Hudson Valley P-TECH, a rigorous, six-year STEM program; students who select this path graduate with an Associate of Science degree at no cost to their families
- CTEC is debuting a two-year Cyber Technology program for 2016-17 which will focus on cybersecurity and offer students the opportunity to earn professional certifications in A+, Network+ and Security+
- Summer Teen Tech Camp offers campers in grades 7-10 the opportunity to build tech skills hands-on through week-long courses like robotics and web design
At Hudson Valley P-TECH, students took part in the Hour of Code on December 11.
This CBI Tech coder earned a certificate for completing the 2015 Hour of Code.