The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow at a much faster rate than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. While not all students will pursue careers in computer science, it is critical to provide them with equal opportunities to develop these skills. Computer science education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which are valuable assets in any profession. By neglecting to teach these foundational skills, we risk leaving students unprepared for the jobs that await them.

The demand for individuals with computer science skills is high, and possessing these skills makes students more competitive in the job market and significantly more employable. Incorporating computer science education into K-12 curricula ensures that students are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the modern workforce.

However, the current state of computer science education falls short of meeting the demands of the job market. The State of Computer Science Education report reveals a concerning disparity that only 57.50% of American public high schools and 46% of middle schools offered foundational computer science courses as of 2023.

The inadequate availability of computer science education limits the number of students who can develop these essential skills. This scarcity disproportionately affects underserved and underresourced communities, contributing to an inequitable distribution of opportunities. To address this issue, it is crucial to prioritize equitable access to computer science education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to fill the pipeline of future professionals.

JASON Learning recognizes the urgency of empowering students with digital skills. Through collaboration with STEM Minds, JASON Learning offers over 50+ technology-specific units to partner school districts. These units cover a wide range of topics, including computer skills, robotics, and data analysis. In addition, JASON Learning has partnered with leading organizations in fields like cybersecurity (G’Cubed), artificial intelligence (RankOne), and data centers (Infrastructure Masons, Vertiv, DataCenterDynamics, Compass Data Centers) to provide comprehensive resources for students.

By providing comprehensive and inclusive computer science education, we empower students from all backgrounds to enter the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge. This not only benefits individuals but also strengthens our economy and drives innovation. It is imperative that we work toward a more equitable distribution of computer science education, closing the gap and preparing students to thrive in a digital world.

The post Equipping Students Equitably: Bridging the Computer Science Education Gap appeared first on JASON Learning.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is crucial for students to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological advancements, revolutionizing industries and shaping the future. 

Incorporating AI education into high school curricula is essential for preparing students for the future. AI is rapidly transforming various industries and will have a significant impact on our society. Students with a solid understanding of AI concepts will have a competitive edge in fields such as technology, data science, healthcare, finance, marketing, cybersecurity, and energy.

High school students, as the next generation of innovators, should have the opportunity to understand and engage with AI. Through a collaboration with STEM Minds, JASON Learning offers an exceptional curriculum that introduces students to AI concepts and empowers schools to incorporate AI education effectively. In our “Intro to AI” course, students design an AI-based game and demonstrate the understanding and application of AI concepts. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as:

• Understanding AI
• Exploring different types of AI
• Examining the ethical considerations surrounding AI
• Engaging in hands-on projects like designing AI-based games

Teachers from any subject can integrate AI concepts and applications relevant to their disciplines.

Our AI curriculum is highly versatile and can be utilized by various teachers across disciplines, regardless of their specific subject expertise. For example, STEM teachers can utilize this resource to explore the interdisciplinary nature of AI and its connections to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Additionally, technology specialists can collaborate with subject-specific teachers to infuse AI concepts into different disciplines, fostering cross-curricular connections. Computer science teachers can leverage this curriculum to introduce their students to the principles and applications of AI, covering topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and AI ethics. For gifted and talented educators, the AI curriculum serves as an excellent resource to challenge students with advanced learning opportunities.

By introducing students to AI at an early stage, we can cultivate their interest, understanding, and skills in this field, enabling them to become active participants and leaders in the AI-driven world. Furthermore, AI education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students, helping them to become innovative thinkers and contributors to the future.

We need to invest in the development of a technologically literate and future-ready workforce. To learn more about the Intro to AI course and how it can be incorporated into your school’s curriculum, visit: https://jason.org/technology-stem-minds/.

The post The Importance of AI Education in High School: Empowering Students for the Future appeared first on JASON Learning.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

JASON Learning and STEM Minds Partner to Enhance STEM Education Nationwide

ASHBURN, VA (June 9th, 2023) — JASON Learning, a leading provider of STEM education resources, has announced a new partnership with STEM Minds, an organization dedicated to empowering students with hands-on STEM learning experiences. As part of this partnership, STEM Minds’ content will now be available on the JASON Digital Platform.

This partnership will provide users with more technology resources to engage students in STEM learning, prepare the next generation for future careers in STEM fields, and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. 

Anu Bidani, Founder and CEO of STEM Minds, expressed her excitement about their partnership with JASON to revolutionize STEM education nationwide. “At STEM Minds, we are passionate about empowering students with hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and more. By joining forces with JASON and integrating our cutting-edge STEM content into the JASON Digital Platform, we are expanding access to high-quality STEM resources and making learning engaging and accessible for students of all backgrounds.”

STEM Minds offers a variety of programming in robotics, coding, film, photography, video game design, app development, AI, and more. Through this partnership, students and educators across the country will have access to a vast library of STEM curriculum resources that make learning fun and accessible for all students.

“We are thrilled to partner with STEM Minds to further our mission of providing high-quality STEM education resources to students and educators nationwide,” said Eleanor Smalley, President and CEO of JASON Learning. “This partnership will allow us to expand our offerings and provide even more opportunities for students to develop 21st-Century and digital literacy skills, which will set them up for future success in their careers and life.”

The partnership between JASON Learning and STEM Minds will also provide opportunities for professional development for educators and staff. Teachers will have access to training and support from both organizations to enhance their teaching skills, deepen their content knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in STEM education.

School districts that are currently partnered with JASON will have access to these units at no additional cost for the first year. This will allow districts to expand their STEM offerings and provide even more opportunities for students and educators to develop their STEM skills.

This partnership underscores JASON Learning’s commitment to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly STEM-focused world. Together with STEM Minds, JASON will continue to empower students to become the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow.

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About JASON Learning

JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for Pre-K-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/. JASON Media Contact: Jenna Davis, jdavis@jason.org.

About STEM Minds

STEM Minds Corp is a social enterprise with a vision to empower the next generation of global leaders and innovators. Their mission is to make STEM education accessible to youth across the globe.  Their advanced STEM curriculum includes an evolving range of dynamic virtual classes and on-demand courses designed and delivered by certified teachers and STEM professionals. STEM Minds helps to break down barriers, empowering the next generation of future-ready youth. To learn more about STEM Minds, visit https://www.stemminds.com. STEM Minds Media Contact: Anu Bidani, anu.bidani@stemminds.com 

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