CSforCT

Advancing Computer Science Education in Connecticut

A March 17, 2021 Letter

As an outgrowth of the CSforCT effort, major Connecticut employers and other key stakeholders joined in a letter, urging Connecticut lawmakers to prioritize CS education. Leadership from Infosys, Sikorsky, Stanley Black & Decker, and Travelers signed on. You can read the full letter here.

For an overview of CS education efforts and opportunities in the state, and for ideas on what you can do to advance CS education in Connecticut, click below:  

(data provided by Code.org)

Why CSforCT?

CSEdWeek 2021, December 6-10. CLICK HERE for info and resources to bring CSEdWeek to life!

Connecticut students must be prepared for all college and career opportunities, including those that are the most modern and forward-facing.

Those that are grounded in computer science (CS).

The demand for a Connecticut workforce fluent in computer science has never been more pressing. Right now, there are over 7,000 computing jobs in the state, and computing occupations are the #1 source of all new wages in the U.S. Unlike many other professional fields, projections for computer-related career opportunities are encouraging (at over 12% growth through 2026).

The time is right for Connecticut to seize the present and prepare for the future in ways that can simultaneously address the talent needs of the state’s employers together with the college and career opportunities of its students.

The CSforCT effort will do just that, led by the CSforCT Steering Committee.

 

Download the Connecticut State Department of Education Computer Science Plan

The CSforCT Steering Committee

The Charge: The CSforCT Steering Committee will coordinate statewide CS education efforts and implementation of the Connecticut Computer Science Plan approved by the State Board of Education in June 2020. These efforts are designed to ensure equity and include focusing on:

  • professional learning
  • career exploration
  • technical training
  • advocacy and policy
  • resource identification/acquisition

Through coordination of related initiatives, the CSforCT Steering Committee will work to broaden access to and participation in CS education so that Connecticut’s workforce needs can be met and students can leverage exciting college/career opportunities right here in Connecticut.

 

The CSforCT Steering Committee

 

Victor Black 

Executive Director of Secondary Education & Magnet Schools, Bridgeport Public Schools 

Paul Brenton

Superintendent, Plainfield Public Schools

Nisreen Cain

UXE Lead, Google, Inc.  

Kiley Flynn

School Counselor, Griswold Public Schools; representative, Connecticut School Counselor Association 

Melissa Hickey

Director, Connecticut State Department of Education

Barbara Johnson

Librarian, Colchester Public Schools; representative, Connecticut Association of School Librarians

Robert Kane

Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, U.S. Public Services at Tata Consultancy Services

Shannon Marimón

Executive Director, ReadyCT

Jennifer Michalek

Education Consultant, Connecticut State Department of Education

Bobby Myrick

Director of Information Technology, Lockheed Martin 

Richard Reynolds

Director, WorkspaceCT; representative, Regional Educational Service Center Alliance

Darcy Ronan

Assistant Professor, Teacher Education, Sacred Heart University

Norm Sondheimer

Policy Advocate, Connecticut Computer Science Teachers Association

Hal Swope

Chief Information Officer, Travelers, Bond and Specialty Insurance

Christopher Todd

Executive Director, Office of Early College Programs, University of Connecticut

Winnie Yu Ng

Professor of Computer Science, Southern Connecticut State University

Kelli Vallieres

Executive Director, Workforce Development Unit, Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development