Help create new opportunities in computer science

Each year, Google supports Europe Code Week and Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), initiatives that inspire students to learn computer science (CS) and encourage the world to advocate for equity. When it comes to the opportunity to pursue computer science, underrepresented groups still face more challenges. While technology has the potential to improve the lives of everyone, the benefits of these advancements are not evenly distributed. The foundational system that unlocks economic opportunities is education. Google is doing its part to make sure opportunity is for everyone, and we invite you to join us.

This year’s CSEdWeek is coming up from December 4-10, get involved and inspire your students to learn new skills, and perhaps even discover an exciting career path through a number of opportunities:

• If your students are in grades 4-8, teach a CS First lesson or follow along in this expert-led livestream. These one-hour, no-cost coding lessons make coding easy to teach and fun to learn.
• If you work with 8-12 graders, teach Applied Digital Skills lessons or follow along in this expert-led livestream. These no cost digital skills lessons help your students gain practical digital skills such as the foundations of what AI is, how it’s used in everyday life, and its benefits and challenges.
• If you teach grades 7 and up, join this live panel with developers, during which students and professional developers will share their educational paths and inspiring career stories in technology.

CSEdWeek builds on our efforts to promote CS opportunities for everyone during Europe Code Week (October 7-22), when teachers, students, Google volunteers and policymakers came together to help close the equity gap across several European countries. Here are some highlights:

• Professional development from teachers, for teachers. In partnership with European Schoolnet, 12 educators from nine European countries were equipped to host training for 450 teachers, during which they shared innovative educational practices and tools to enthuse pupils and students to experiment with technology and develop digital skills and competences.
• Six Hackathon events for hundreds of students. The students used creativity, problem solving and collaboration to tackle programming tasks and other tech challenges. Industry professionals including several Google volunteers joined to mentor the teams.
• Inspiration from computer science professionals. To date, 43 Google volunteers have supported Experts Go Back to School, a campaign that brings career talks and collaborative activities into schools across Europe. This is a year-round initiative, so your classroom can still take part.

Opportunity for everyone won’t happen overnight, but every moment a new student discovers CS and computing skills is a win for everyone.