29 NJ Schools To Share $2M In Computer Science Funds: Gov. Murphy

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The computer science programs at 29 New Jersey schools got a shot in the arm Wednesday when Gov. Phil Murphy released a list of facilities that will share a $2 million funding expansion.

On Jan. 30, Murphy stood beside New Jersey Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz and several students at Belleville High School to announce the recipients of the “Computer Science for All” initiative, which was announced in October 2018. The $2 million in extra state funding will give 900 additional high school students access to computer science coursework.

In Belleville, the school district will get $80,558 from the initiative. Other Essex County municipalities to receive funding are East Orange ($42,493), Newark ($100,000) and Orange ($99,889).

“One way to supercharge our economy is by advancing cutting-edge technology coursework in our schools,” Murphy said. “By giving students early access to the skills they will need to succeed in the 21st century workforce, we are helping them prepare for high-demand, high-paying career opportunities.”

Here’s how the initiative works, according to a statement from Murphy’s office:

“Schools that applied for and received the grants will use the funding in the 2019-2020 school year to implement courses that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school; encourage students to take the highest level of advanced placement courses; offer summer bridge programs to prepare students for the rigor of advanced computer science coursework; or provide classes that can lead to a credential recognized in the tech industry. Professional development for teachers is also a key component of the grant initiative. Preference was given to schools that receive federal Title I funds.”

“When we talk about a shortage of qualified applicants for jobs in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we know that many of those vacancies are specifically in the computer science arena,” said Education Commissioner Lamont Repollet.

“We want to give New Jersey students every possible edge so they can be in the best position for success after high school,” Repollet said.

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Photo via Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz