Press Release: State Superintendent Partners With Code.Org To Challenge All Schools And Families To Join Hour Of Code

Announcement Comes In Advance Of Tonight's Statewide Computer Science Event

For Immediate Release                                              

Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486, 443-670-7072 (cell)

Baltimore, MD (November 3, 2014)

State Superintendent Lillian M. Lowery today, in partnership with Code.org, challenged every Maryland public school student, educator, and their families to participate in the “Hour of Code” during Computer Science Education Week next month.

“Maryland is a national leader in the technology-driven economy, and our students must have opportunities to acquire in-demand skills, including computer coding, to meet the needs of local employers and compete in the global marketplace,” Dr. Lowery said. “I plan to participate in the Hour of Code. I am challenging all young people and adults to add coding to their marketable skill set, and our vision is to offer all students access to computer science education.”

Next month is Computer Science Education Month and Code.org will offer its annual Hour of Code contest during the week of December 8-14. Last year, Middle River Middle School in Baltimore County was one of 50 schools nationwide to win $10,000 from Code.org to buy technology for its classrooms. More importantly, students had the chance to learn computer programming.

“The Hour of Code is meant to demystify computer science and show all kids that, whatever their interest or background, they can participate in the 21st century not just as a user of technology, but also a creator” said Pat Yongpradit, Code.org's Director of Education and former Montgomery County public school teacher.

More than 4,000 students enrolled in computer science and programming-related courses at 39 Maryland high schools last year.  More than 1,200 students have enrolled in Advanced Placement computer science courses offered at 117 schools. Maryland also had the most African American or Black students taking the AP computer science exam and was eighth among states in the number of Hispanic students taking the exam.

Code.org is a national non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools. Code.org is one of several high-tech employers participating in the statewide computer science event, “Maryland CSI,” tonight from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Annapolis High School. Follow the event on Twitter using hashtag #MDCSI.

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