Hawai‘i Schools Introduce Students to Computer Science

Schools throughout the state are joining a coding program to promote computer science education. The program, called STEMworks, is helping over 100 teachers at 72 public, public charter, and private schools across the islands to get students involved in computer science.

STEMworks is a statewide, Hawaiʻi-led STEM program of the Maui Economic Development Board and is funded in part by the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education, Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a workforce development project.

STEMworks facilitators will be helping students complete numerous computer science projects as a part of The Hour of Code, a global movement that aims to teach students technological skills. Students will be participating in The Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week, which runs from Dec. 3 to 9.

According to STEMworks, only 35 percent of all high schools teach computer science and girls and minorities are severely underrepresented in the tech industry. STEMworks aims to work with local and national industry and educational partners to bridge these gaps.

The Hour of Code student projects can be viewed from Dec. 3 to 9 on the STEMworks Facebook page. More information about STEMworks can be found online.