Mount Vernon Schools Partner With Microsoft For Innovative New Program

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon students have a bright new pathway to learning the language of computing and the school system has enlisted a titan to help bring the hands-on mentor-based experience to life.

Microsoft Philanthropies is bringing its Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) Program to Mount Vernon High School for the 2023-24 school year.

"In a recent student town hall meeting, students asked for more diverse pathways because they do not want to transfer to another building to pursue their interests," Mount Vernon High School Principal Pauline Pearce explained. "As a traditional high school, we want to be able to offer a diverse curriculum so that our scholars can be exposed to a variety of content. This partnership is very timely in that students can see that we are making an effort to provide what they need."

The program was first introduced to Mount Vernon by Marvin Church and Diana Williams, local co-founders of the nonprofit Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC). Bruce Jackson, managing director for strategic partnerships out of the office of the president of Microsoft, is also a board member of ELOC. His connection with both organizations and Mount Vernon helped bring the program to the Mount Vernon City School District.

"Environmental Leaders of Color encourages a strong relationship between the Mount Vernon School District and Microsoft to introduce students to the most up-to-date computer science education from a software giant," Williams said. “This collaboration with Microsoft is important because we have to partner with companies who are trendsetters in the workplace. We have to make a direct connection.”

Microsoft Philanthropies focuses on Title I schools with high levels of diversity. The goal is to provide a computer science pathway at high schools, so students of all backgrounds have the same access as their peers.

The TEALS Program will be introduced at low cost to the school district with its Introduction to Computer Science course at Mount Vernon High School in the first year, according to district officials. The course will be available for 25 students.

"The goal is to provide a computer science pathway at high school, so students of all backgrounds can have the same access as their peers," Acting-Superintendent K. Veronica Smith said. "That’s major here at Mount Vernon High School, and like Dr. Pearce I am delighted that we are being afforded this opportunity."

Progress checks will be made throughout the year to guide the future implementation of computer science courses in the following years, including AP Computer Science Principles.

Black and Latino students who take an AP computer science course in high school are seven times more likely to major in computer science, and women are 10 times more likely, according to the program organizers. These courses are intended to open new opportunities for Mount Vernon students and give them competitive job skills that can translate to well-paying computer science jobs.

"This computer science pathway will equip students with the problem solving skills that are applicable to any field,"Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Jamal Dogget said. "I look forward to the partnership and the progress ahead for the Mount Vernon City School District and the New Mount Vernon High School."

The program is run by tech industry and academic volunteers, over 1,500 of which volunteer each year. The volunteers will work with students and teachers to assist in developing a full computer science curriculum that is self-sustaining. Teachers will be trained to teach the courses by volunteers who will provide resources, training and support to students from application to graduation.

"We’re very excited to introduce the world of programming to our Mount Vernon High School students," chemistry teacher Jaechul Yangat, who will teach the courses, explained. "Although we’ve had some experience, this is going to be brand new where they’ll be able to have hands-on experience through the mentors and the partnership with Microsoft."

Two to four volunteer teachers will take on a co-teaching role in at least the first two years of the program. The volunteers will be responsible for approximately 90 percent of the instruction, according to the district. They will provide support to students as well as assisting teachers in their own computer science development.

"When I think of TEALS, I think TEALS is designed to empower students to achieve more and reach their potential," Jackson said. "It’s basically there to provide an opportunity to help bridge the technology gap and also deal with economic wealth because technology is going to be an incredible tool in the future."

Once the teachers are sufficiently trained, one to two volunteers will provide lab support. This means that MVHS teachers will be responsible for 80 percent of lessons, with volunteers only leading some classes and assisting with labs and assignment grading. Once the TEALS Program is fully implemented, Mount Vernon High School teachers will teach computer science classes on their own.

Raul Nedd, regional manager for the TEALS Program, will oversee the program's implementation. Jackson will also provide oversight of the program and partnership.