Access to Computer Science for all learners

New Data Highlights the Digital Divide

According to this year’s advocacy report by Code.org, over a half-million computing jobs are open nationally, but only 4.7% of all high school students are enrolled in a computer science course. Even more troubling, the data show deep disparities in access to computer science courses: students who attend rural and urban schools are less likely to have access to computer science, as well as students who are economically disadvantaged. There are also significant discrepancies state to state.  In the US, Minnesota ranks last - 50th out of 50 states -  in the number of high schools offering computer science courses: only 24% are offering access to these necessary skills.  

What does that look like in numbers? In 2021, Minnesota averaged 14,406 open computer jobs per month. Yet in 2018, only 1,296 students graduated in computer science. That’s a drop in the proverbial bucket, and it means that Minnesota students aren’t filling these jobs.  New Code Academy is proud to be working to help close that access gap by enrolling students from across the state in our online program, and partnering with 

At the Heart of All Learning

We believe that computing skills shouldn’t just be a class but the foundation of all learning. And that learning should start in Kindergarten; not relegated to a single-semester course in high school. New Code Academy is governed by Bloomington Public Schools (MN) and adheres to the academic standards and accountability of the Bloomington school district; this means the same rigorous academic standards apply to all students, and the curriculum is certified by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Our computer-science-based curriculum doesn’t only address concepts like robotics and programming, it weaves academics, community and technology together into an innovative educational experience. We believe in discovery, nurturing curiosity, and learning to be adaptable. Our curriculum is dynamic and focuses on personalized learning for each child. Students should graduate workforce and college ready, and without foundational computing skills, that simply isn’t possible. Even if a student doesn’t pursue a career in computer science, the skills learned through the programs are invaluable: reasoning, problem-solving, creativity, metacognition, spatial skills, and collaboration.  Our students regularly practice the ability to navigate the modern learning and workforce landscapes with ease. Computer science must be recognized as a core literacy for students. 

Access for All

The Code Advocacy Coalition states “In order to eliminate disparities in computer science education, equitable participation and experience for all students must grow in conjunction with access.” Access to computer science courses must be available to all students no matter their demographic; learning must also be designed to engage and support all learners from an early age so that computing becomes a part of their identity. Even when students attend a school with a computer science course available, data shows that 78% percent of U.S. high school students are enrolled in a school with a foundational computer science course, yet only 4.7% of all students are actually enrolled in a course. At New Code Academy, we help all students learn to solve problems and express themselves like computer scientists from early ages so they are ready to continue solving problems and expressing themselves for the span of their lives.