Computer science education develops computational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that students need to prepare for future success in college, careers, and community engagement.  

We are educators, advocates, industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions that support high-quality teaching and learning opportunities in Computer Science in California. We envision a future for California where all students participate meaningfully in computing, where racial and gender equity gaps are effectively closed, where computer science instruction is high quality, and are prepared for college, careers and community engagement.

It’s time for us to push for the changes needed to make sure all California students have access to rigorous and inclusive computer science classes at their schools.

We believe:

• When Expanding Computer Science, We Must Prioritize Equity: California students of color, girls, and students in low-income and rural communities are not receiving the same high-quality computer science education as students in affluent districts. Access to these classes is not equally distributed. We must prioritize equity, access, and inclusion so that every student gets the rigorous education they need to succeed.
• Computer Science is an Essential Skill for Every Student: Skills developed through computer science learning, like computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving, are foundational for success. It is vital that our students learn these skills so they can discover innovative ways to solve problems and create new solutions in their careers and communities.
• Every Student Deserves Access to Rigorous Computer Science Education: Every student deserves access to a high-quality computer science education, especially students of color, girls, and students in low-income and rural communities. Ensuring a computer science education is accessible to every student is vital to preparing them for college, career, and community engagement. 
• Computer Science Education is a Critical Foundation for Broadening Participation in California’s Workforce and the Jobs of the Future: Widely-accessible, quality computer science education will prepare our students to become the innovators and inventors of the future. Nearly every occupation is a tech-occupation; whether a student pursues a career in tech, agriculture, arts, finance, or healthcare. By making equitable computer science education a priority across California, we can nurture skilled, next-generation innovators that help grow California’s economy.

And when implementing rigorous and equitable computer science education in schools, we believe, in line with the California Computer Science Strategic Implementation Plan:

• Every student and every teacher is capable of learning computer science. Access to, and achievement in, computer science should not be predicated on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, language, religion, sexual orientation, cultural affiliation, learning differences, or special needs.
• Every student should have continuous opportunities and multiple entry points to engage in computer science education, including articulated pathways toward college, careers, and community engagement.
• Computer science instruction should involve real-world, engaging, meaningful, and personally relevant activities for students that focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity while emphasizing the ethical impacts of computing.
• Computer science instruction should align with California’s K–12 Computer Science Standards and be integrated, as appropriate, into other subject areas in grade bands kindergarten through second grade (K–2), third through fifth grade (3-5), sixth through eighth grade (6-8), and ninth through twelfth grade (9-12). Computer science should be offered as standalone courses, from introductory to more advanced, in middle and high school.
• All California schools should have the infrastructure to support computer science education (including hardware, software, and personnel).
• Computer science content knowledge and relevant pedagogical practices should be included in all California teacher preparation programs, differentiated by multiple subject and single subject teaching credentials. The state budget should allocate funding for teachers to participate in ongoing, high-quality, and differentiated professional learning and support to assist them in implementing and integrating computer science education in their classrooms.
• California should engage stakeholders including, but not limited to, members from K–12 education, higher education, industry, local communities, parent organizations, and policymakers to implement computer science statewide.

Will You Join the CSforCA Coalition?

It’s time for us to create the change needed to make sure all California students have access to rigorous and inclusive computer science classes at their schools. As a CSforCA coalition member, we are asking your organization to:

• SHARE YOUR NAME AND LOGO to be listed publicly alongside CSforCA and other members on CSforCA materials.
• LEND A SUPPORTIVE QUOTE or statement should media opportunities arise throughout our work.
• AMPLIFY @CSforCA Twitter content on your social channels and through your own distribution lists during key moments in our work.
• MORE! There are also opportunities for deeper, more active engagement if desired.

Please support our goal of ensuring all students have access to rigorous and equitable computer science education. Find out more about how your organization can join the coalition and get involved.