$4 million in grants for STEM

Washington STEM, in partnership with Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, has announced the first round of $4 million in grants to statewide schools, school districts, educational service districts, higher education institutions, nonprofits and community based organizations to support computer science education.

The competitive grants will make it possible for these recipients to provide professional development for teachers, obtain technology, and expand access to girls and students from groups underrepresented in STEM. Grant recipients must partner with private organizations and individuals to receive a 1:1 match, effectively doubling the state investment in computer science education.

The $2 million in computer science state investments were championed by Representatives Chad Magendanz (R-5) and Drew Hansen (D-23) along with Governor Jay Inslee in 2015.

“Computer science fuels every day lives and good jobs in diverse industries throughout Washington and the nation,” said Washington STEM’s Chief Program Officer Dr. Andy Shouse. “Through this funding stream, students will engage in activities such as developing apps to solve real world problems, writing code for video games, developing animal robots, and building and programing ocean sensors, all of which will prepare them well for future opportunities.”

“We all know that computer science education is a must in our society,” said Randy Dorn, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These grants will help bridge the gap between students who have access to those skills and those who don’t. That includes getting more girls and more minorities involved. It also includes other students, like those in poverty and those who are incarcerated and those who receive special education services.”