A movement is underway to add computer-science classes in all schools, but we re not quite there yet. Some parents must rely on their own know-how, or they can tap into the burgeoning trend of after-school options, such as Silicon STEM Academy. The reason is the future: In Colorado, there are nearly 16,000 coding and computing jobs but less than 500 students graduating with computer science degrees. (The Denver Post file)
Re: Colorado must address its tech talent gap, Feb. 27 guest commentary.
Kudos to Scott Laband for addressing Colorado s tech talent gap. This is a serious concern, not just for Colorado, but for our nation as a whole. While China produces more than 1 million computer science grads each year, the U.S. produces fewer than 45,000.
This shortfall begins with K-12 education. America s tech education initiatives are a state-by-state array of disparate efforts, and Colorado sits squarely among the majority of states whose high school students can only receive elective credits for computer science coursework. As a result, few students are exposed to computer science and other technologies until college, if they are fortunate enough to have the means to afford it.
Legislation is a good first step to promoting tech education, but with the TABOR amendment continuing to fuel budget cuts in schools statewide, new laws can only go so far. With limited resources, schools will have a difficult time offering the depth and rigor in STEM that today s tech kids are so hungry and ready for. Unwinding TABOR is the key to unlocking Colorado s tech potential.
Kelly Scarborough, Denver
The writer is founder and owner of Silicon STEM Academy.
This letter was published in the March 11 edition.
