In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, Code.org has organized its second annual Hour of Code. This global initiative challenges millions of students to try one hour of coding. The organization targets students and school classrooms to participate in the largest education event in history. All the tools to organize an event as well as one-hour tutorials in over thirty languages are available online.
STEM jobs are expected to increase by two times the national average, yet 90% of schools do not offer computer science classes to students. This leaves a significant gap in talent. In response to the discrepancy between students pursuing computer science degrees and job market opportunities, Code.org’s Hour of Code wants to reach 100 million students this year to spark interest and demonstrate that anyone can learn about computer science.
At Symantec, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is one of our four philanthropic focus areas and in FY14 43% of our grants were within education. STEM education is important for the development of future talent in our industry and in essence the continuity of our business. We cherish our strong partnerships with Teach for America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Room to Read and the work they do in advancing STEM education among youth, and particularly underrepresented groups. Our goal for FY15 and beyond is to excite, engage and educate 1 million students in STEM education through global nonprofit partnerships, with an emphasis on computer science and cybersecurity, by 2020 with an investment of $20 million. Our partnership with Code.org is a step toward this goal.
Hour of Code is an inspirational movement to motivate students in a world that needs STEM skills. As we each contribute to STEM education we can close the gap of talent and diversity within the technology sector.