The state budget allocates $2 million total throughout 2016 and 2017 to train high school teachers to teach computer science.
Washington state has allocated the funding necessary to begin a computer science education training program in high schools in the state.
The state budget, signed Tuesday night, allocates $2 million for 2016-17 to train high school teachers to teach computer science and set up computer science programs in some schools across the state.
Washington state’s funding is conditional on the funds matched by private donors, which sponsors of the program are confident they will get.
The state’s booming tech industry employed 239,000 workers in 2013, according to the Washington Technology Industry Association. But Washington ranks 46 in the country for participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduate programs, according to Washington STEM, a nonprofit that promotes STEM education.
Most Read Business Stories
.The $2 million funds HB 1813, a bill the Legislature passed earlier this term that was driven by Code.org, a nonprofit Seattle code-education organization. It was also supported by a large number of tech companies, including Amazon.com, Concur, Zulily and Tableau.
The bill’s goal was to expand computer science education to all schools across the state by 2025, using $1 million in state funds and $1 million in private funds each year. It set up education standards and teacher training programs.
“This is a fantastic win for students in Washington, and will help our state lead the country in preparing students and connecting them to the best career opportunities in the 21st century,” Code.org co-founder Hadi Partovi said Wednesday in an emailed comment.
.