In The News

August 7, 2023

Amazon Now Funding Computer Science Education for 17 Elementary Schools in Lexington County…

Lexington — August 2023 — Amazon and Lexington County School District One today announced that Amazon is funding computer science education and teacher professional development for 17 elementary schools in the district, impacting more than 12,000 students, many from underserved communities and groups currently underrepresented in tech, as part of its Amazon Future Engineer program. Lexington One is now part of Amazon Future Engineer’s target to bring computer science to 500,000 elementary students by 2025.

Amazon is working with BootUp PD, a nonprofit professional development provider, specializing in elementary school education, to bring computer science to each school. BootUp PD’s typically in-person PD sessions adapt well to a virtual model and provide teachers with the tools they need to bring engaging coding lessons to their students both on-screen and in-person. High-quality computer science education for elementary school students during their school day is a critical piece of Amazon’s “childhood to career” approach because it helps address skill gaps at an age when students are just beginning to formulate ideas about their futures.

Lexington One Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait said, “Being selected to be part of Amazon Future Engineer’s expansion positions our district to assist students to become creators, not just consumers, of the technology around them. Learning to code supports problem-solving, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. It can also provide confidence to students when dealing with complex, open-ended problems, and persistence in the face of challenges. This partnership will help us create consistent learning across all of our elementary schools.”

[read more | source: Lexington County One School District]

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