According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, it is anticipated that the employment of computer and information research scientists will grow faster than the average for all other occupations, 21% from 2021 to 2031.
With K-12 Strong Workforce funding, the Lynwood Unified School District partnered with Microsoft’s Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) program to increase access to computer science (CS) instruction and to prepare LAUSD students for these high-wage, high-growth jobs.
Lynwood Unified School District is home to 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools, including a preschool and additional adult and independent study programs. In all, LUSD supports 14,000 students through their K-12 education.
Microsoft’s Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) program is focused on increasing historically excluded communities’ access to CIS in high school. Since its creation in 2009, TEALS has provided CS education to over 100,000 students from across the globe, expanding their economic opportunities and increasing equity in the field.
Thanks to the K-12 SWP, computer science professionals from TEALS co-teach with Lynwood’s math, science and English high school teachers to provide rigorous curriculum in coding, software development and computer languages. This collaboration has empowered LUSD’s underserved students to excel in AP computer science exams, pursue careers in programming, and join Compton College’s Apple Coding program. Already, more than 120 students have benefited from this partnership.
High schoolers interested in continuing their CS pathways are invited to explore the Information Technology programs available across the #19Strong community colleges at https://ccla.com/information-technology-programs.
Learn more about LARC’s work expanding opportunities for K-12 students at https://losangelesrc.org/k12-strong-workforce-program/
