Destination Imagination, Oracle Academy launch computer science challenge
Source: Oracle Academy
Organizations join forces on the development of two coding challenges
Destination Imagination (DI), an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching students the creative process skills needed to become the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and industry pioneers, has collaborated with Oracle Academy to advance coding and computer science opportunities that will help students thrive in the future workforce. Oracle Academy works globally to expand knowledge, skills, innovation and diversity in technology through computer science education.
“There is an urgent need to provide students and teachers access to computer science education,” said Dr. Chuck Cadle, CEO of Destination Imagination. “The Association for Computing Machinery estimates that by 2020, one out of every two STEM jobs will be in computing. However, nine out of 10 K-12 schools do not currently provide computer science education. As computing technology continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential we provide students with affordable access to computer science opportunities that will inspire and engage them in career-ready learning opportunities. We’re excited to work with Oracle Academy to ensure students connect to the needs of the future workforce.”
Through the collaboration, Destination Imagination will release two new computer science challenges—Dear Hero and Co{DI}ng Space—in hopes of engaging 10,000 students in computer science education this year. Each challenge is designed to spark kids’ interest in coding and encourage students of diverse backgrounds to incorporate their artistic expression while learning skills such as collaboration, storyboarding and perseverance.
“The technology skills gap presents a tremendous opportunity for today’s students and demands global attention,” said Alison Derbenwick Miller, Vice President, Oracle Academy. “By expanding students’ access to computer science, they can become college-ready and learn the skills needed to be productive in a variety of fields once they graduate. We’re thrilled to join Destination Imagination on a shared mission to help put students on a pathway to future success.”
The Dear Hero coding challenge was released on February 15, 2016. For the challenge, students will choose a real-life hero and use Oracle Academy’s Alice 3 coding software to demonstrate how their chosen hero has made a significant and positive impact on their lives. Students who participate will have the opportunity to have their projects evaluated and qualify for a chance to present their coding project at Destination Imagination’s Global Finals 2016—the world’s largest celebration of student creativity.
The Co{DI}ng Space computer science challenge will be released in summer 2016, with more details to come in the following months.
The White House recently recognized Destination Imagination and Oracle Academy for their commitment to helping students learn coding through their 2016 computer science challenges.
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