April 5, 2017 – In San Diego County, ​Chula Vista Elementary School District ​has taken initiative to provide its students a crash course in computer science in hopes of sparking interest in the field. This year, the technology sector saw three times the number of new computer science careers than there were college graduates with computer science degrees.

“At this rate, by 2020, there will be more than one million computing jobs unfilled,” said a member of the Computer Science Education Week committee. “Our goal is to have at least ten million students do an hour of code some time during that week.”

With exponential growth in the amount of vacant careers in the computer science sector, a movement has begun to introduce coding and software development to young students. Dubbed the Hour of Code, CVESD educators decided to take part in Computer Science Education Week from December 4-10, 2016.

A unique and cost-effective opportunity to teach computer science to the masses, the only things required to offer the Hour of Code is a lab of interconnected computers and internet access (most schools have these). The online program is self-taught and all that is required by teachers is to take part in the program themselves to gain familiarity. The programs are also taught in 45+ languages to ensure equal opportunity for all students.

CVESD officials made a massive push to bring Hour of Code to as many students as possible. By bringing the program to over 200 classrooms and 5000 students in the first year, the program was considered highly successful by the parent volunteers and teachers who took part. The partnership with Code.org is an incredible feat for the district in preparing its students for college and a tech world beyond the classroom.

Who supports Computer Science Education Week?

Through funding from generous donors and tech companies, Code.org is a non-profit organization that aims to provide computer science education to a diverse body of students. In their online courses, 45% of Code.org students are girls and 48% are underrepresented minorities.

About Chula Vista Elementary School District

Home to some of the ​best schools in San Diego County​, students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District experience a rigorous 21st Century learning environment that is rooted in effective teaching practices and high-quality instruction. Our mission is to nurture every child’s imagination, intellect, and sense of inquiry. Working collaboratively, we tap a collective intelligence rich with the spirit and creativity necessary for students to become difference makers.

The district’s 46 schools serve more than 29,700 students, primarily in grades K-6. Our schools serve a vibrant, diverse community that features a blend of residential areas, recreational facilities, open space, and light industry.