FAQ
SUCCESS is building a computer science community among educators across West Virginia
to ensure middle school students have access and opportunities to learn computer
science. The program is developing West Virginia-specific curriculum and professional
development to help increase interest and access to computer science in West Virginia
middle schools.
Who is the partner of SUCCESS?
The SUCCESS Partnership is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (award #2031355), totaling nearly
$1 million, and builds on outreach partnerships with Code.org, WVU Tech, the West
Virginia Department of Education and the Raleigh County School District.
What is the value of SUCCESS to West Virginia?
More than 20 percent of public school students in the United States attend schools in rural districts, and yet these schools are less likely to offer computer science courses than those in suburban areas, contributing to the access divide and disparities in participation and achievement by socioeconomic status, race and gender.
With computing jobs now the number-one source of new earnings in the U.S., computer science must be a critical part of secondary education curriculum. In order to boost jobs, grow our economy and retain a skilled workforce across the Mountain State, we must ensure West Virginia students have the technical, digital and innovative skills necessary to compete in the ever-evolving workforce where they're in high demand.
Why is this a natural partnership with the Center for Excellence in STEM Education?
As the Center helps prepare West Virginia students for the evolving demands of today's workforce, computer science education is critical to better equip students with the skill sets necessary for future success. West Virginia must continue to find effective ways to improve students' critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving, and especially of those who have traditionally been underrepresented.
What is an example of a SUCCESS program or activity?
The partnership met in the summer of 2021 for an intense week of planning, and continue to hold regular follow up meetings as Raleigh County teachers introduce middle school students to computer science through the West Virginia enhanced Code.org curriculum.
What is the goal of SUCCESS?
To provide high-quality computer science education to all middle school students in predominantly rural West Virginia so they can hone their skillsets and understand career opportunities in the field; continue to build a stronger pipeline of computer science teachers and, ultimately, more technicians and programmers, across West Virginia; provide tools and resources to local school administrators and counselors through specialized workshops; and establish, grow, and sustain a local community of computer science educators through computer science fairs and community events.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation (award #2031355). 