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CEOs Rally for Computer Science Education

In a significant move for the future of education, over 250 prominent CEOs have joined forces to champion the cause of computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) education for all students. This initiative takes shape through Unlock8, a national campaign launched by Code.org and CSforALL, aimed at ensuring that every student has access to the essential skills required to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

The Campaign's Purpose

Unlock8 is born out of pressing needs in the modern job market. A recent study by the University of Maryland indicated that just one computer science course taken in high school can lead to an 8% increase in early career earnings, regardless of an individual’s future college and career choices. With reports from the World Economic Forum highlighting AI and big data as the fastest-growing skills in the workplace, it has become critical for educational institutions to adapt and provide foundational education in these areas.

Cameron Wilson, President of Code.org, emphasizes the importance of addressing this educational gap: "Computer science and AI unlock a doorway to skills K-12 students need to thrive in an economy that changes by the minute. Our schools need to ensure that every student is learning AI skills rooted in computer science education."

This collective call from influential business leaders is a pivotal step in advocating for policies that will integrate computer science into the curriculum in a meaningful way.

Growing Awareness and Action

Over the past decade, the push for computer science education has gained momentum, with all 50 states making efforts to expand access to CS classes. Notably, the number of states dedicated to funding computer science education surged from just 9 in 2017 to 39 by 2024. In parallel, the proportion of high schools offering foundational courses increased from 35% to 60%. Despite these advances, only 12 states have made computer science a graduation requirement, while merely 6.4% of high school students enrolled in CS courses last year. This highlights the substantial work that lies ahead.

Key Supporters of Unlock8

The campaign has garnered support from major CEOs and industry leaders, including, but not limited to:

• - Satya Nadella | Microsoft CEO
• - Shantanu Narayen | Adobe CEO
• - Brian Chesky | Airbnb Co-Founder
• - Hadi Partovi | Code.org Founder
• - Marc Benioff | Salesforce Chair

This diverse group of supporters reflects a widespread recognition of the urgency to equip the next generation with the technological skills that will shape the future workforce.

Making the Case for CS and AI

The call to action outlined by these CEOs comes with a compelling argument: an economy increasingly driven by technology necessitates education systems that can provide relevant training. The future job landscape indicates that skills in AI and computer science are not just advantageous but essential for students aiming to secure employment.

Unlock8 advocates for policy solutions that will embed computer science education into the curriculum across the nation, making it a standard rather than an exception. By doing so, the campaign seeks to level the playing field for students from various backgrounds and ensure that they are not left behind in an increasingly tech-oriented world.

Conclusion

In essence, the Unlock8 campaign symbolizes a unifying effort among leaders in the business sector to prioritize education that embraces the realities of a digital future. The commitment from over 250 industry leaders to support computer science and AI education is an inspiring call to action for educational institutions and policymakers across the nation.

For those interested in joining this pivotal movement or learning more, further information can be found at CSforAll.org/Unlock8. The initiative not only underscores the necessity of computer science education but also advocates for equal opportunities in the realm of technology, signaling a significant shift towards a more inclusive future.