Burrillville High School wins $20K grant for computer science

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PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Education has announced 20 winners of Computer Science for Rhode Island High School grants to expand computer science pathways in Rhode Island, including Burrillville High School.

The CS4RI grants, supported through a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, will provide $20,000 each to 20 high schools, as well as professional development for teachers and opportunities for additional computer science coursework for students.

CS4RI is an initiative of Gov. Gina Raimondo launched in 2016 and included in the state’s PrepareRI career education portfolio. CS4RI has expanded computer science to all schools across the state and created engaging and rigorous programs for a record number of students.

“The skills developed in computer science education are essential in a 21st century economy. These are the jobs of tomorrow, and through CS4RI, we are ensuring that all students in Rhode Island have the chance to compete for these high-growth, high-wage careers,” said Raimondo. “We have come a long way since CS4RI began. Rhode Island is now a national leader in computer science education, and the CS4RI High School Grants will continue to push us forward in creating engaging computer science pathways for all.”

Before the launch of CS4RI, only nine public high schools in Rhode Island offered AP Computer Science. Today, 78 percent offer AP Computer Science – the highest percentage in the country.

“In every single district in Rhode Island, students have access to computer science education, thanks in large part to CS4RI. Our focus now is on expanding those programs, deepening the learning for our students, and aligning pathways to the needs of Rhode Island’s workforce,” said Angélica Infante-Green, commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. “All of our PrepareRI programs, including CS4RI, aim to close the gap between what students learn in the classroom and what they need to succeed in their careers. Congratulations to our awardees for working hard to close that skills gap and provide exciting computer science learning opportunities to our students.”

The recipients of the 2020 CS4RI High School Grants are:

Burrillville High School
Central Falls High School
Central High School (Providence)
Charles E. Shea High School (Pawtucket)
Classical High School (Providence)
Cumberland High School
Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School (Providence)
East Providence High School
Johnston High School
Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex (Providence)
Middletown High School
Mount Pleasant High School (Providence)
Narragansett High School
North Providence High School
Nowell Leadership Academy (Providence)
Providence Career and Technical Academy
Rogers High School (Newport)
Toll Gate High School (Warwick)
West Warwick High School
Westerly High School

In addition to the $20,000 for programmatic support and free professional development, CS4RI High School Grants will open up opportunities for students to earn 12 college credits at no cost to them or their family upon completion of a three-course sequence. Participating schools will also receive support in developing a CS course sequence that aligns to a career education pathway.

Ten of the 20 schools will be tasked with implementing a brand new computer science work-based learning course in 10th grade, which will include an 80-hour work-based learning requirement in addition to coursework.

Learn more at www.CS4RI.org.

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