Officials say that Obama’s Budget for 2017 will include $4 billion to assist schools in improving their computer science education. The money will be payed out to schools to pay for teacher training and instructional material to increase and improve teaching in computer science.
The president announced this initiative, calling it “Computer Science for All” in a radio address. He said “In the new economy, computer science isn’t an optional skill — it’s a basic skill, right along with the three Rs,…..Nine out of 10 parents want it taught at their children’s schools.”
The budget is also set to include $100 million to school districts to start computer programs. It also requests the National Science Foundation and the Corporation for National and the Community Service to spend $135 million on teacher training within a 5 year period.
Officials say that the need to educate children in computer education is vital in a fast growing economy. According to their research, only quarter of the elementary, middle and high schools in the US offer computer education. The research also pointed out that most states do not offer computer science as a diploma. Officials now feel that other countries are doing a better job at educating their children in this area, which places US children at a disadvantage.
The president went on to say “That’s what this is all about — each of us doing our part to make sure all our young people can compete in a high-tech, global economy, ….They’re the ones who will make sure America keeps growing, keeps innovating and keeps leading the world in the years ahead.”