Harlan High Awarded $10,000 for Computer Science Instruction
(Harlan, Ky.) – In an effort to expand Computer Science instruction for Harlan High School students, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science teacher, Greg Edens was recently awarded $10,000 from Code.org.
Mr. Edens currently teaches High School math, AP Computer Science, and serves as one of four Digital Learning Coaches (DLC) across the district. In addition, he is the advisor for the Technology Student Association providing high-level learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Principal Britt Lawson noted that the expansion of the Computer Science course at Harlan High provides students with a strong foundation for high-demand job sector if they choose that career path. “Computer Science is a very lucrative career pathway that can allow students to secure employment or advanced degrees with the luxury of working from anywhere in the world. The possibilities are endless for students who wish to work in this sector and I am excited we can offer the foundation they need to pursue that career. Congratulations to Mr. Edens for working to bring these additional resources to our school.”
On Thursday, Harlan Middle/High students participated in the Hour of Code event held by Mr. Edens and assisted by Dr. Sean Jackson from the Kentucky Department of Education. Jackson serves as the K-12 Computer Science Lead in the Office of Education Technology and commented “Providing access to courses in Computer Science has been a priority for the Commonwealth. In 2021, over 5000 CS-related jobs were open in Kentucky, with only 704 graduates of colleges and universities receiving degrees in this field (Code.org and NCES statistics). It is imperative, as this sector grows nationwide, that Kentucky students are prepped with the foundational knowledge to succeed in this field. The CS Leaders prize of $10,000 will allow Harlan Independent to continue the growth of its courses while also rewarding the steps taken this year to start their journey. This a great opportunity for current and future Green Dragons.
Code.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to every student having the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education. Additionally, Mr. Edens was awarded a no-cost scholarship to attend Code.org’s Professional Learning Program. Harlan High was only one of two Kentucky high schools to be selected for the award.
