Amazon Adding 3,000 More Schools to Computer Science Education Program

Amazon is extending the reach of its computer science education program to a total of more than 5,000 schools, more than doubling the number of participating institutions. Applications are now open for schools that wish to participate.

The program, Amazon Future Engineer, provides funding for computer science courses and courseware, and offers online support and teacher professional development. Scholarships and internships are also offered as part of the program.

With the expansion, Amazon Future Engineer will serve more than 550,000 students, with an emphasis on schools with a high percentage of students who belong to underrepresented groups. About 20 percent of the participating schools serve elementary grades. The remainder are middle and high schools.

According to Amazon, at the elementary level, which is new to the program, “The Amazon Future Engineer sponsorship provides three years of ongoing onsite professional development to elementary teachers on the content and pedagogy of computer science education. The sponsorship provides everything districts need to implement a sustainable computer science initiative. This includes eight onsite professional development workshops, ongoing model teaching and coaching, curricula and teacher lesson plans, and an online Instructional Coach Course to ensure the sustainability of the program.”

Further details about Amazon Future Engineer can be found at amazonfutureengineer.com.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • laptop screen displaying a typed essay, on a child

    McGraw Hill Acquires Essaypop Digital Learning Tool

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced the acquisition of Essaypop, a cloud-based writing tool that will enhance the former's portfolio of personalized learning capabilities.

  • illustration of an open book with lines and circles around it

    Foundations in Learning Launches Fluency for All Movement

    Ed tech company Foundations in Learning, creator of the WordFlight literacy assessment and intervention for students in grades 3-8, has kicked off a new movement aimed at improving reading literacy.

  • 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.