Technology is driving advancements across every industry and profession, and access to computer science education is equally important for today’s students as language arts, math, and science. This week, Governor Laura Kelly signed bipartisan House Bill 2466 to promote computer science education in Kansas schools and provide additional funding for current and aspiring teachers to receive training in computer science programs.

“Making computer science more accessible to middle and high school students and providing funding and resources for Kansas teachers helps the state take another step forward in closing the technology workforce gap,” said Ashley Scheideman, Executive Director of FlagshipKansas.Tech. “We are pleased with the Governor’s approval of House Bill 2466 and look forward to continuing to spread awareness about the necessity of computer science education opportunities for all Kansas students.”

House Bill 2466 also establishes a pilot program that covers credential exam costs, assists technical education students in their transition to the workforce and provides scholarships for educators in rural areas and underrepresented socioeconomic groups to obtain computer science education training.

“At a time when it’s nearly impossible to find an industry or field of study not being transformed, disrupted, or reimagined using software and computer science, all students can benefit from learning computer science,” Katie Hendrickson, Ph.D., Chief of Staff of Code.org said. “But most importantly, every student deserves the opportunity to learn this critical subject that helps them connect with the world and think about solving problems in new and creative ways. And it’s clear that everyone sees this! With support across the state from both education and industry stakeholders, we’re all invested in seeing students succeed and go further than they ever have. With professional development opportunities for teachers at every corner of the state, every school will be able to compete and give students a head-start to success.”

Allowing computer science to count as a core graduation requirement has been a years-long endeavor, supported by FlagshipKansas.Tech and many other organizations dedicated to gaining access for Kansas students to a computer science education. The signing of House Bill 2466 solidifies the commitment Kansas has toward expanding computer science education access to all Kansas students.