Forge Institute to Develop Computer Science Curriculum for Arkansas High School Teachers
Forge Institute today announced that it, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Office of Computer Science, is developing computer networking training for high school teachers. The agreement is another step forward to foster and augment the state’s cyber-workforce capabilities.
Understanding that tomorrow’s cyber-vulnerable world requires a workforce with advanced technical skills, Forge Institute and the ADE Office of Computer Science will collaborate on professional development on Computer Networking, featuring hands-on labs and other materials that Arkansas school teachers can bring back to their classrooms.
“Computer networking is a fundamental part of our lives,” explained Scott Anderson, Executive Director at Forge Institute. “Today's world runs on computers and smart devices; your TV, your car, your watch, and now your coffeemaker are all connected.”
Anthony Owen, State Director of Computer Science Education at ADE, agrees that enhancing teachers’ computer networking skills can only benefit Arkansas’s growing digital-based economy.
“Creating a student body well-versed with computer skills starts with teachers properly trained,” said Owen. “We are happy to supplement the top-notch training our Statewide Computer Science Specialist Team has been and will continue providing with the expertise that Forge Institute and its exceptional technical experts can provide. ”
As a result of the training, expected to launch in July, and teachers taking gained knowledge back to their classrooms, ADE expects students to emerge from high school better prepared to obtain high paying tech jobs, which are in great supply as companies nationwide seek cyber talent. A depth of tech-driven companies coupled with Governor Hutchinson’s Computer Science and Computing Initiative makes Arkansas an ideal state to supply the nation with talented cyber staff.
Key Facts
Forge Institute is collaborating with the Arkansas Department of Education Office of Computer Science to create a “Computer Networking” training program for Arkansas teachers.
The partnership underscores Arkansas’s commitment to producing a technical savvy workforce ready to face the challenges of a cyber-vulnerable world.
With cybersecurity among the primary concerns of most companies, tech-skilled jobs are at a premium demand. Arkansas is poised to meet this demand through training at all levels, including directly to high school students.
About Forge Institute
Forge Institute provides a number of workforce development courses and other offerings that empower our partners with cutting-edge technologies and capabilities to advance cyber operational objectives and enhance our national security posture. For more information, visit the Forge Institute at:https://www.forge.institute.
About Arkansas Computer Science and Computing Initiative
The Arkansas Computer Science and Computing Initiative was founded in 2015 under Governor Asa Hutchinson and is directed by the ADE Office of Computer Science. The stated mission of the initiative is, “to facilitate Arkansas’s transition to becoming and remaining a national leader in computer science education and technology careers. For more information on the initiative and the ADE Office of Computer Science, visit: https://cs.arkansas.gov
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CONTACTS: Jeremy Harper, Press@Forge.Institute / 501-500-0812
Featured in Arkansas Money & Politics: https://armoneyandpolitics.com/new-computer-science-curriculum-to-be-developed-in-forge-institute-ade-partnership/