Computer Science Education Week

Celebrating Computer Science Education Week: CS is Everywhere in Iowa!

Computational thinking skills inspire problem solving, innovation, and creativity – skills essential for our future workforce. With the rapid growth of technology, computer science opens up a world of opportunities for young Iowans to improve the ways we work and live. Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) takes place this year from December 9-15, 2024, and is an annual call to action to provide youth with resources to learn more about computer science, explore its potential, and encourage participation in computer science education. 

This year’s theme, "CS is Everywhere in Iowa: Be Cybersecure," highlights the importance of cybersecurity in our technology-driven world.  Each year, Iowa CSEdWeek focuses on a different area within computer science. “Last year was Artificial Intelligence, and this year is Cybersecurity,” notes Mauree Haage, the North Central Iowa STEM Region Manager. “Both are vastly changing and ever-growing areas of computer science that will need our youth prepared to not only pursue careers but also live in such a technology-driven world of the future.”
Haage emphasizes, “Computer Science Education Week is not just about celebrating computing for one week. We really want to take this moment in the spotlight to highlight resources that can be utilized by educators and students throughout the year as well as bring attention to the computer science careers right here in Iowa.” 

The resources provided through IowaCSEdWeek.org are designed to be flexible and customizable for a variety of settings, including classrooms, libraries, businesses, and even at home, allowing participants to tailor their experience.
 

Engaging Activities and Events

Throughout the week, schools, libraries, and other organizations in Iowa and beyond will host various programs to engage students in computer science. Iowa CSEdWeek 2024 includes the following events:
 

December 9
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Iowa CS Ed Week Kickoff with Anthony Kava. Use the Careers Panel Registration Link to sign up for this event. Recorded session will be posted after the event.
December 10
11:00 AM -Noon - “Careers in Cybersecurity” Webinar. Use the Careers Panel Registration Link to sign up for this event. Recorded session will be posted after the event.
December 11
11:00 AM -Noon - “Pathways to Cybersecurity Careers” Webinar. Use the Pathways Panel Registration Link to sign up for this event. Recorded session will be posted after the event.
December 12
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Iowa CS Family Night: Students and families will engage in computer science activities. Please use the Iowa CS Family Night to sign up. Also visit our map to see any in person locations near you.  Recorded session will be posted after the event.
December 13
Nutcracker Ballet + STEM event - Nutcracker Overview Flyer.  Please use the registration link to sign up or take a look at the STEM+Arts Challenges.  
 

Collaborative Efforts to Foster a Tech-Savvy Generation
To enhance awareness and provide high-quality resources for computer science education, many companies and organizations are collaborating, including:
● Bio::Neos
● Black Hills Information Security
● Check Point
● Cherokee Public Library
● Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) Iowa
● Denison Community Schools
● East Union Community Schools
● Fort Madison Community Schools
● Google
● Iowa Area Education Agency
● Iowa Department of Education
● Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council
● MDC Iowa
● NewBoCo K-12 Education
● ProCircular
● Waterloo Career Center

Explore CSEdWeek Resources

Visit IowaCSEdWeek.org to access resources, webinars, and activities, or follow #CS4IA on social media to see CSEdWeek events happening throughout Iowa.
Haage encourages, “Don’t let Iowa CSEdWeek be just a week. Celebrate it every week! Use this week as not only a chance to spark interest among students but also to explore resources and tools for educators and parents to use to build on this momentum year-round.”

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