RI To Add Computer Science In Public Schools

By Elisabeth Harrison

Through a partnership with Microsoft, the University of Rhode Island and several other organizations, Governor Gina Raimondo has unveiled a plan to bring computer science to every public school in the state.

Raimondo discussed the initiative, known as "CS4RI" at Tollman High School in Pawtucket on Monday. She was joined by members of the state's congressional delegation and hundreds of Tollman students.

According to the governor's office, just one percent of high school students in Rhode Island public schools currently enroll in computer science courses, and no schools with significant numbers of low-income students offer computer science.

“Our kids deserve the best opportunities in the 21st century tech-driven economy, so we need to do everything we can to help them get ahead by developing the skills that matter,” Raimondo said. “Part of turning our economy around and creating jobs is making sure every student, at every level, has access to the new basic skill: computer science."

Raimondo's initiative calls for all public elementary, middle and high schools to add computer science courses by the end of 2017. State officials call it one of the most comprehensive statewide computer science initiatives in the country.