Santa Fe, NM: “Computers are everywhere, changing every industry on the planet, but few students realize that learning to code can lead to well-paying careers in the Tech industry. With over 1,433 open computing jobs in New Mexico, according to Code.org, Santa Fe Public Schools is teaming up with our community and New Mexico TechWorks to celebrate Computer Science Education Week, December 4-7! This week, Santa Fe Public Schools is participating in The Hour of Code, ™ by hosting coding events that educate and inspire participants of all ages to give coding a try …for just one hour,” exclaims Dr. Veronica C. Garcia, superintendent of schools.
The Hour of Code ™, is a national learning initiative and global campaign originally developed by the nonprofit code.org, which was founded on the belief that the students of today are ready to learn critical skills for 21st-century success.
Santa Fe High School kicked off the week of events on Monday by having all students try an hour of coding. Meanwhile, the Digital Learning Coaches in Santa Fe Public Schools have been working with the Computer Science Teacher’s Association of New Mexico and New Mexico TechWorks to plan and coordinate coding activities and professional guests at elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the district.
Dr. Veronica C. Garcia, continues, “I thank New Mexico TechWorks for coordinating this monumental effort, and I thank Los Alamos National Laboratory for providing a large team of professional volunteers to work with our students in our schools this week. Additionally, we could not have done this without the Air Force Research Lab, the New Mexico Technology Council, Sandia Labs, LANL Foundation, PNM, Make Santa Fe, The Santa Fe Community Foundation, and Nusenda for also being enthusiastically involved and supportive. Initiatives like these provide real world educational opportunities that engage our students in their learning and ultimately prepare them for success in college and career.”
To hear Senator Heinrich’s inspirational message in support of Computer Science education or to learn more about regional efforts, visit http://www.nmtechworks.com/. Santa Fe Public Schools is collaborating with New Mexico TechWorks and other concerned organizations, businesses, and civic leaders to expand Tech access and education and to increase Tech enterprise and employment in our region. We encourage students, parents, and family members to watch for upcoming opportunities to learn more about the growing Tech economy in Northern New Mexico and join us for other opportunities to learn more including Family Tech Career and Coding nights, which will be co-hosted at some of the Santa Fe Public schools in the spring, and the :Summer of Tech: initiative to promote Tech learning opportunities for all ages this summer.
For more information, please contact Jeff Gephart, Chief Community Engagement Officer, at 505-470-6197 or jgephart@sfps.k12.nm.us or Jennifer Case Nevarez, New Mexico Techworks, at 505-699-1503 or jennifernevarez@nmtechworks.com.
