November 27, 2024 – Wayne County, NC
Congratulations to Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) on their receipt of an $80,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI) under the Coding and Mobile App Development Grant program. This funding supports the district’s commitment to advancing computer science education and preparing students for careers in the fast-evolving technology sector.
The grant program, launched in 2017 by NC DPI and funded by the General Assembly, aims to enhance computer science and coding education in middle and high schools. It focuses on equipping schools with the tools and resources necessary to meet the state’s new K-12 Computer Science Standards. The funding will be used for:
- Professional Development: Providing teachers with training to deliver high-quality computer science instruction.
- Equipment and Digital Resources: Purchasing the latest technology and software to support coding and app development.
- Student Engagement Initiatives: Introducing students to computer science careers through hands-on learning experiences.
“This grant is allowing us to bridge computer science and climate action awareness to underserved populations across our county. We are excited to promote global leadership skills through the hands-on opportunities this grant provides! ” [Heidi Barber, Educational Technology Specialist at Wayne County Public Schools].
The Coding and Mobile App Development Grant has already shown its impact across North Carolina, benefiting over 8,500 students in previous cycles. Congratulations to Wayne County Public Schools!
"We are thrilled to bring the Forward Education Climate Action STEM kits to our students through this grant. These innovative kits provide teachers with a hands-on, engaging way to explore STEM concepts while addressing real-world challenges like climate change." said Colleen Graham, also an Educational Technology Specialist for Wayne County Public Schools. "With a library of lessons that align with curriculum standards across grade levels, these resources will not only enhance learning, but also inspire our students to think critically, innovate, and become problem-solvers for a sustainable future. We think this grant will have a major impact on teaching and learning, and we are excited to see our students learn as they tackle real global issues."
For more information about the grant program, visit the NC DPI website here.
