First in class

Partnership with Google elevates CS interest, develops talent for high-paying jobs

Responding to the challenge of improving computer science education, the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office is partnering with Google in “Computer Science First” (CS First), an online-based curriculum designed for middle-school students that increases accessibility to a discipline where proficiency is a highly marketable skill to current and future job prospects.

“This program is a valuable tool to help students begin a formal education in computer science,” said Jenell Leonard, commissioner of the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office. “We hope to encourage more interest and greater awareness among students so they realize nearly all professions--from farming to manufacturing to engineering to filmmaking--can include some aspect of computer science.”

While Google provides the curriculum (available through a website to classrooms) to schools around the U.S., the introduction of CS First in Michigan marks the first time a state agency has been the primary coordinator of the program.

CS First is an on-line curriculum provided at no cost.

“We want to make sure all schools have equal access to computer science materials and knowledge,” said Leonard. “Regardless of location or test scores, we need to empower today’s students with the resources needed to succeed in a high-tech world where critical thinking and creativity are premiums.”

As a result of the partnership between the film office and Google, four schools are participating in the introductory (pilot) phase of CS First with the statewide launch planned for January. Participants include Wilkinson Middle School, Madison Heights (Oakland County); Ferndale Middle School, Ferndale (Oakland County); Manchester Middle School, Manchester (Washtenaw County); Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, Freemont (Newaygo County).

"We know that exposure to computer science can lead to some of the most rewarding jobs in the world, and we have a responsibility to inspire the next generation of tech innovators," said Rob Biederman, Google's head of midwest public affairs. "Kids from all neighborhoods and all backgrounds should be encouraged to be creators--not just consumers--of technology."

Currently, there are 15,000 job openings in the computer sciences in Michigan. Job growth in the state is increasing at three-and-a-half times the average compared to other industries. By 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be one million more computer science jobs than graduating students who qualify for the jobs. Average annual earnings is nearly $89,000 for jobs in digital-media related industries.

A top priority for CS First, said Biederman, is providing a “sense of belonging in technology” for under-represented students. He noted only 10 percent of K–12 schools in U.S. offers computer science classes.

CS First includes: 

• Computer science materials for students in grades 4–8 
• Support for computer science clubs run by teachers and/or volunteers 
• Flexible program design that fits in-class or after-class requirements 
• Eight themed/focus areas, e.g., game design, art, storytelling, fashion/design, music/sound, friends, social media and sports 

Students work on the activities and assignments from a laptop, either provided by the school or the student. No additional software is required. Schools must have Wi-Fi. 

“CS First builds a community of volunteers and mentors while providing opportunities for students to learn the many applications of computer science,” said Leonard. “Partnering with Google is a cost-effective and innovative way for schools to introduce digital design and encourage creativity for middle-school students.” 

The partnership with Google is the initial foray into building public/private partnerships for the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office, which no longer provides incentive to filmmakers. In addition to working with innovative private-sector companies like Google, the film office strategic plan calls for educational alliances to go along with a coordinated promotional campaign to elevate awareness of film and digital media production resources in Michigan. 

In September, the office sponsored  the Digital Summit Detroit, which showcased a diverse range of professionals working in digital media. 

Subsequent to the January rollout of CS First across the state, participation and success will be measured based on each school submitting reports on number of enrollees, volunteers along with an assessment of the proficiency of students’ work in the eight themed-areas. 

For more information, please visit COMPUTER SCIENCE FIRST

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