North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has been awarded a grant from Google to foster an interest in technology and computer science in K-12 students.
The Google Community Technology Grant awarded through the Charitable Giving Fund at Tides Foundation will provide $41,000 for Enabling the Next Generation of Innovative Neophytes through Engagement in Computer Science (ENGINE CS), a program aimed at enhancing local K-12 students’ knowledge of computer science, robotics, networking, web design and mobile applications.
In a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, researchers concluded that by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computer-science-related job openings but only 400,000 qualified applicants with computer science degrees.
“The Google Community Tech Grant will provide excellent learning opportunities for middle school students in the Triangle region of North Carolina,” said Wanda Lester, Ph.D., interim dean of NCCU School of Business. “North Carolina Central University’s School of Business offers innovative educational offerings to our students, and we are excited to aid in increasing the number of middle school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”
Through ENGINE CS, NCCU faculty, staff and students will deliver weekly lessons in computer science and STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math), along with information on related career opportunities, to students participating in the Durham Housing Authority’s 21st Century Learning Center afterschool program for the Club Boulevard Community. The after-school program currently provides academic enriched opportunities to help students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects.
In early 2016, NCCU’s School of Business Computer Information Systems faculty and students volunteered and built a computer lab for children in the Club Boulevard Community.
"ENGINE CS will allow North Carolina Central University to give access and opportunities to girls and underrepresented minorities in the local community that will empower and inspire them to become change agents and innovators in this global knowledge economy,” said Alisha Malloy, Ph.D., associate professor in NCCU’s School of Business and principal investigator for the grant.
The Girl Scouts of North Carolina Coastal Pines also will benefit from the grant through monthly computer science and STEM related curriculum available to local Girl Scout Troops.
Classes held at troop locations will offer hands-on experiences that align with the Girl Scouts’ STEM curriculum for computer expert, digital photography, digital movie maker and website designer badges. Girl Scouts will receive a unique view on careers in computer science while also earning badges for participation.
Girl Scouts will also participate in a computer science exploration day at NCCU. The event will include four round-robin sessions exploring NCCU’s ITS data center, networking, robotics and computer programming, concluding with a panel discussion entitled “Women in ICT.”
