Mercer’s TCNJ Gets Grant To Expand Computer Science Programs

MERCER COUNTY. NJ – The College of New Jersey, located in Ewing, recently received a grant from the state to expand its computer science program.

Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said $1.79 million was given for two grants to expand computer science in schools.

One grant will help 27 school districts and charter schools establish or expand high-quality computer science courses in the high school grades, and the other grant will fund three Computer Science Hubs for teacher training operated by three colleges and universities.

The College of New Jersey got $300,000 to establish a regional Computer Science Learning Hub that will provide professional learning for teachers and school administrators.

The goals of the program are to increase the number of high-quality educators from diverse backgrounds available to teach computer science, provide professional learning opportunities and resources to school districts, and expand equitable access to computer science for all students.

Montclair State University and Stockton University also received $300,000 in grants.

Each college or university receiving grant funding is expected to collaborate with Computer Science Hubs operated by other institutions of higher education in the grant program. In addition, the two sources of grant funding can connect with each other; the programming offered by the Hubs created by the colleges and universities will be open to the school districts and charter schools that receive grant funding to implement Computer Science courses in their high schools.

“These grants will better prepare New Jersey students to thrive in today’s information-driven economy by providing greater access to high-quality computer science and technological design education,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.

“New Jersey is ripe for this kind of innovation in our schools. We have the talent, the infrastructure, and the job market that will fuel opportunities for students across the state.

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