Insight Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (Insight PA), an online public school, has earned a state grant that will help students prepare for careers in information technology. Insight PA serves more than 2,000 students across Pennsylvania, and the grant will help expand the school’s computer science program for kindergarteners through twelfth graders.
“In order for our students to be adequately prepared for an ever-growing and fast-paced economy, it’s vital they have the education and skills needed to meet the needs of our future workforce,” said Barry King, director of Career and Technical Education at Insight PA. “This grant will make a significant impact, both in the classroom, and in preparing our students for a career in the IT field.”
Insight PA’s computer science program will now also provide students with exposure to coding classes through BSD Education, an international company that helps schools integrate grade-appropriate technology into the classroom. Students will have access to lessons in artificial intelligence, app and gaming development, and computer programming in Python, C++, JavaScript, Java, and Unity. Additionally, high schoolers will have the opportunity to enroll in AP Computer Science Principles.
The state grant is part of Gov. Tom Wolf’s PA Smart Initiative, which supports computer science and STEM education and professional development at elementary, middle and high schools. Insight PA is one of 163 school districts, charter schools and intermediate units that were recently awarded a combined $5.7 million from the program.
“PA Smart is strategically investing in science and technology education, so students develop the skills they need for high-demand jobs,” Wolf noted in a news release. “To be successful, we must also invest in our educators by providing them the training to teach these critical subjects.”
This PA Smart Grant prioritizes expanding access to computer science for underrepresented students across Pennsylvania. All Insight PA students will have access to this technology regardless of where they live.
“PA Smart grants help train educators so they are providing high-quality STEM and computer science instruction and experiences in their classrooms to students of all ages, including those who have been historically underserved and underrepresented in these opportunities and fields,” State Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera said.
About Insight Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School
Insight Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (Insight PA) is an online public charter school authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education that serves students in grades K through 12th grade. As part of the Pennsylvania public school system, Insight PA is public school, giving parents and families the choice to access the engaging curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation’s leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about Insight PA, visit pa.insightschools.net.
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