TFA, AT&T deal will expand computer science education in KC

Despite the growing number of computing job openings, only 1 in 4 U.S. schools offer computer science classes, according to the White House.

To expand its computer science initiative, Teach for America Kansas City announced Monday that the organization received a donation of $100,000 from AT&T’s philanthropic arm, AT&T Aspire.

The partnership’s goal is to expand computer science education to low-income communities and reach more than 150 area students with professional development programs as well as resources for teachers. With AT&T’s support, Teach for America Kansas City members will have access to computer science curriculum and professional development.

Both organizations said they are committed to connecting teachers to opportunities to develop youth tech skills.

“Our young people are our greatest strength and will set the course for our future,” AT&T Missouri president John Sondag said in a release. “By working with Teach For America we are able to provide critical opportunities in computer science that will help ignite their potential and set them on a track to succeed in 21st-century careers.”

In 2015, Teach for America formally launched its computer science initiative with the support of AT&T and the National Science Foundation. In addition to Kansas City, the initiative will spread  to the Bay Area, Dallas-Fort Worth, Rio Grande Valley, South Carolina, and Washington D.C. over the next two years.