U.S. President Barack Obama believes that being able to use computers as a basic skill is a must in today's world. With this, he has announced his plan of using $4.2 billion to help kids learn computer science.
Obama says the economy is swiftly shifting and for today's children to keep up, they need to master computer science skills so they could have good jobs after they graduate from school.
The President cites examples showing that even non-IT professionals need to have efficient computer knowledge. For one, the auto mechanics of today do not just change oil; they work with complex machines to get the job done. Nurses do not only administer medicines now; they need to analyze electronic health records to deliver quality care.
In general, all members of the workforce need to develop critical thinking skills to deduce a big problem to a small one and develop strategies to do just that.
Obama says about nine out of 10 parents are in favor of enhanced computer science courses, yet only about 25 percent of K through 12 schools teach computer science. Students from 22 states are not even required to undergo such courses to get a diploma.
In his weekly radio address, he has announced his plan called "Computer Science for All," which provides $4 billion for states and $100 million for school districts. The President will include this proposal to his upcoming budget.
Through this project, he hopes to ensure that all kids, especially young girls and minorities, will have access to quality computer science courses.
Obama identifies three key steps to carry out his plan.
First, he would ask the Congress to fund for computer science education of elementary, middle and high school students over the next three years.
Second, the administration will also take advantage of existing resources of more than $135 million from the National Science Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service to train teachers.
Lastly, Obama plans to call out to all mayors, governors, entrepreneurs and tech leaders to come together and join his cause.
In the end, the President says that the young people of today will be the ones to keep America growing, innovating and ensuring its position as a global leader of other nations in the years to come.
"And they're the reason I've never been more confident about our future," he closed.
Photo: Pete Prodoehl | Flickr
