Hour of Code at Garfield Elementary with Gov. Little

If I asked those of you who have already graduated from high school if you could go back to high school and acquire one skill, what would it be? There are several answers to this question, but one answer is certain—computing technology with software, analytics, cybersecurity, AI, and Internet of Things, is relevant in every career. For instance, even if you don’t want to become an electrician, you still learn about electricity in school. Computer science is the electricity of the 21^st century. Every industry utilizes and optimizes computing technologies. We must increase computing literacy immediately so Idaho students can compete in a global economy.

Last Tuesday was a magical day at Garfield Elementary for students and teachers. Nearly 75 business professionals converged at Garfield with Governor Brad Little to declare December 9^th through 13^th as Computer Science Week in Idaho. The Governor also sat next to 5^th graders and engaged in an Hour of Code. Governor Little said, "Job opportunities in computer science will continue to grow, and introducing our students to computer science early on will expose them to real-world experiences and strengthen critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives."

Governor Little was wearing a CODE.ORG cowboy hat that was given to him by Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of CODE.ORG, an organization focused on giving every K–12 student an opportunity to learn computer science. Hadi Partovi, who was in Boise at an Idaho Technology Council event nearly three years ago, gave the hat to Governor Little and congratulated Idaho for being forward thinking and being a leader in the United States towards implementing computer science standards and curriculum.

So if you are a rancher, supply chain expert, teacher, doctor, or any other profession, having computer science skills will be a difference maker today and more importantly in the future. Go to https://code.org/learn and see what you or your family members can do with computer science. I guarantee you will be amazed!