Dear community member,
Expanding equitable access to computer science education is a core priority for the Santa Cruz COE, part of our work to build pathways and help students prepare for careers in a quickly changing world.
The Santa Cruz COE’s Computer Science Initiative had a busy 2022-23 school year, as summarized in this infographic. And the momentum isn’t stopping there. Here are some of our
Robotics Club: We are thrilled to debut a new Robotics Club this year in partnership with X-Academy. With chapters in Watsonville and Santa Cruz, the club is open to all Santa Cruz County high school students and provides opportunities to build DeepRacer robots and enter in competitions. We’re currently both recruiting mentors and students, and will be sharing more information at open houses in Watsonville on Sept. 30, and in Santa Cruz on Oct. 1. Find out more about the club and our upcoming open houses at cs.santacruzcoe.org/robotics.
Code for Congress: Last year, our CS team hosted an after-school program to support students interested in learning to develop an app and enter in the national Code for Congress competition. We were thrilled with the results, and were able to help support our congressional district’s competition winner, Pacific College School 7th grader Toma Brasoveanu. Toma’s app “Pill Alarm” was built to help a member of his family track their daily medication, and shows what’s possible when. The free, 8-week Code for Congress program is back for another year and kicks off Sept. 6, open to all middle and high school students. Find out more and register.
AI and Education: Artificial Intelligence is making waves in education, and our CS educators are receiving great feedback on a series of trainings providing educators with the context and tools to harness AI as a positive force in our schools. Interested community members can find out more about the issues and opportunities raised by AI on Sept. 12, when members of the CS Initiative team will speak on an AI and Education hosted by the Santa Cruz Public Libraries and Community Television of Santa Cruz County. Find out more.
CS Leadership Lunch: Educators and industry partners interested in a preview of the future of computer science education in our region are invited to join us for the CSNow! Leadership Luncheon on September 14. This event includes testimonials from students as well as a spotlight and tour with Joby Aviation. Find out more and register.
I want to thank our Computer Science Initiative team, led by Chief Technology and Innovations Officer Jason Borgen, for continuing to provide forward-looking opportunities for training and education on this exciting frontier.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
County Superintendent of Schools