Infosys NSF DonorsChoose Partner on Computer Science Professional Development Initiative

Infosys Foundation USA has partnered with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and DonorsChoose.org to launch the Computer Science [CS] for All Community Giving program, which will provide as many as 2,000 teachers with professional development in computer science education.

Through the program, grade 6-12 public school teachers can create project requests to attend computer science professional development programs. Local communities can sponsor those requests, and Infosys Foundation USA will match the community-funded donations.

When teachers create the project requests, they can select one of the professional development programs associated with the initiative. Some of the evidence-based frameworks that teachers will have the opportunity to access through this program include Exploring Computer Science (ECS), CS Principles and Bootstrap, all of which were developed with support from the NSF.

Together, Infosys Foundation USA and the NSF have committed $6 million to define an end-to-end approach to computer science education, develop new evidence-based curricula and develop sustainable funding mechanisms to ensure teachers are trained effectively in computer science instruction, according to a news release.

According to information from Infosys Foundation USA, this program has the potential to affect up to 60,000 students in the first academic year and will "especially benefit teachers and students in districts with significant funding challenges and limited or no access to computer science education," stated a news release.

"This CS for All community giving model pioneers a sustainable funding approach that puts the power back in the hands of the stakeholders — teachers, students, citizens and especially parents," said Vandana Sikka, chairperson of Infosys Foundation USA, in a prepared statement. "Skills learned through CS education are essential for success in tomorrow's workforce. Investing in CS professional development and training the teachers creates a multiplier effect that expands the learning opportunities for our students especially in under-served communities. The crowd-funding dimension of this initiative has the potential to be transformational. It accelerates the impact of this public-private funding and enables us to solve the CS teacher shortage in a unique new way."

Further information about the Computer Science [CS] for All Community Giving program can be found on the DonorsChoose.org site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.

  • laptop on a desk with its screen displaying numerous colorful educational app icons

    Survey Finds Majority of Schools Using 10 to 15 Educational Apps

    A new report points to the fragmented digital landscape of educational apps in use at schools and districts across the country.

  • laptop displaying AI-powered educational content

    Kira Introduces AI-Generated Lesson Tool

    AI company Kira has announced a new AI-powered lesson generation tool that it says delivers complete, standards-aligned lessons that are personalized to each student.