SFPS has received a $42,000 grant award from the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) to promote innovation in the critical area of computer science. This is the second consecutive year for SFPS Digital Learning to receive the NMPED computer science award, which last year totaled $25,000. The award will expand SFPS’ standards-based computer science program, called Computer Science Ready by 2025 (CSR2025), including professional learning on computer science conceptual foundations for teachers in grades 6-8.
“Receiving the computer science grant award in back-to-back years has allowed the district to align its computer science efforts with the SFPS Board of Education’s 2018 ‘All Systems Go’ computer science resolution. The resolution seeks to influence and impact economic development and student readiness for today’s and tomorrow’s challenging jobs,” said Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez. “Our commitment is for graduates to be academically prepared and computer literate critical thinkers and problem-solvers so they can embrace their aspirational goals and future career challenges.”
Dr. Neal Weaver, chief information and strategy officer, said, “The PED computer science grant will help SFPS bring computer science activities and lessons to every student and classroom,” noting that the board’s ‘All Systems Go’ resolution remains a driving force in the district’s goal to prepare every student for their future.
The grant award will help 12 additional schools participate in CSR2025, bringing the total number of participating schools to 23, and provide guidance for SFPS teachers to prepare students for 21st-century careers.