PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Gov. Kate Brown and Google visited Parkrose Middle School Tuesday to deliver the CS First Roadshow — a computer science education presentation designed for 4th-8th grade students.
Google employees helped the students try their hand at coding and problem-solving activities as a way to encourage kids to develop an interest in computer science education.
The employees gave the students real-life examples of how coding — with science, technology, engineering and math skills — can lead to educational opportunities and exciting careers.
Brown participated in Tuesday’s event and expressed the importance of learning about computer science at an early age.
“Hands-on learning will get Oregon students engaged in new ways and the chance to build new skills like computer science,” Brown said. “My hope is that each Oregon student uses these hands-on experiences to connect with the power of their own potential, and to map out a plan that’s right for their future.”
Darcy Nothnagle — head of external affairs for Google — said, “The Bureau of Labor statistics predict that by 2020 there will be a million more jobs in technology, but not enough people to fill them.”
Nothnagle hopes programs like CS First can create life-long learners and get more kids to chose computer science as a career.
“What we want to do is when students get out of high school and that they help meet the workforce of the future,” Brown said.
