Johnston County Public Schools CTE Earns $76,400 Grant for Coding Pathway
This year, a dozen North Carolina school districts will benefit from a total of $800,000 in grants aimed at developing student skills in computer science through coding.
This year, a dozen North Carolina school districts will benefit from a total of $800,000 in grants aimed at developing student skills in computer science through coding. The Coding and Mobile App Development Grant program, launched in 2017 with funding from the General Assembly, supports partnerships with local businesses to help schools develop computer science, coding and mobile app development programs for middle and high school students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director Reno Palombit shares, “Johnston County Public Schools will partner with Carolina Codes to offer the CTE Python programming career pathway at high schools along the I-95 corridor, building their capacity to meet the need of the new North Carolina computer science graduation requirement.”
Through this grant funded initiative students at North Johnston High School, Princeton Middle/High School, Smithfield-Selma High School, and South Johnston High School will have an increased opportunity to participate in work-based learning, earn industry-recognized credentials, and prepare for high-wage, high-skill and in-demand careers.
A teacher from each school will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to teach the Carolina Codes Python programming curriculum. The teachers will benefit from wrap around support and instructional resources specifically designed for teachers without coding experience.
“The technology sector is one of the fastest growing industries in North Carolina, and exposing students to careers and laying an early foundation for the skills needed to succeed in these jobs is imperative,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt. “Initiatives like the Coding and Mobile App Development grants help ensure that North Carolina’s students are provided the opportunities and experiences necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.”
These experiences included embedded activities, work-based learning opportunities, professional development experiences, and other options. The 12 participating schools or school grant recipients added or expanded new coding-related courses or supporting activities for middle or high school students.