The next generation of our workforce faces both opportunities and challenges. If the recent economic recession has taught us anything, it is that jobs are at a premium and skilled workers in specialized fields will find ample career openings. For example, by the year 2020 projections show there will be 1.4M computing jobs available. In that same time frame, projections show only 400,000 students will be enrolled in computer science courses across the U.S. In fact, computer programming jobs are growing at two-times the national average. Clearly this shows a need for training and career focus in technology education beginning in elementary school and continuing through the college years.
I am proud to say the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development is taking steps to expose students to the computing field through the launch of a new program titled, “Hour of Code”.
The program stems from a national non-profit organization called Code.org. The group believes computer science should be a part of the core curriculum at all levels of education. Computer Science — not computer literacy — underlies most innovation today, from biotechnology to cinematography to national security. Yet the majority of U.S. schools require only that students use computers. Seldom do schools prepare students to innovate and create the new technologies that drive local and national economies. This ability to innovate with technology is also important for students’ future success and ability to make a difference in a global society.
We agree.
Computer science skills are now more important than ever before. The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development is committed to helping our community become better educated about the importance of computer science skills. Our goal is to get our youth excited about this career field and to encourage the next generation of innovators in Lincoln.
Last month, as part of Computer Science Education Week, the Lincoln Partnership sponsored and organized Lincoln’s first Hour of Code event. The week is designed to generate interest in the field of Computer Science. The Hour of Code event itself offers everyone a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code” and shows that anyone, children and adults alike, can learn the basics to be a maker, a creator, and even an innovator.
We drew dozens of potential programmers; from 2nd graders all the way to people in their 40’s and 50’s who were looking to expand their career skills. The participants got a chance to practice writing code and see a finished program execute the instructions they programed into the computer. It was amazing to see how challenging, and at the same time rewarding, it was to see people who have never written a line of code in their life watch as their instructions are carried out on the screen right before their eyes. I have no doubt that as we continue to push forward with new career fields and new paths for technological education that Lincoln can be the home to some the 21st Century’s best jobs.
We truly are growing jobs and building pride in Lincoln.
by Wendy Birdsall, President
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
402-436-2350
The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success. We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln. For more information, please contact our Membership Director, Kristin Holmes, kholmes@lcoc.com.