Computer science education critical to Delaware businesses

A Computer Science Roundtable was held at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York City May 16. This event brought together businesses and state representatives from around the country to discuss best practices for improving education in computer science and in making businesses part of that education to advance the fulfillment of jobs in computer science.

As a member of the Governor’s Delaware STEM Council and chair of the Delaware STEM Business Network, Cape Region Pixstar Inc. CEO George Reissig was chosen as a roundtable participant for two topics: Industry Engagement and Solutions for Success. (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.)

“Computer science skills are necessary for most everyone in today’s job market,” said Reissig. “Agriculture, health care, even service industries need workers skilled in computer science; the requirement is no longer limited to so-called ‘high-tech’ industries.”

It was stated at the roundtable that one third of computer science teachers report no collaboration between businesses and schools. Reissig says, “The pipeline is broken - we need to adapt curriculum to the changing technology of businesses and institutionalize the processes needed to educate computer science students. But the challenge is technology, changes so rapidly that our school systems must build an adaptable education process that ensures the most advance technology is being taught.

“It is critical for large, medium and small businesses in Delaware to get involved with schools in the area of computer science,” said Reissig. “Also, businesses must voice their needs and concerns to local, state and national government representatives regarding Computer Science education. It is time for businesses to advocate for increased STEM literacy for all students.”

Reissig outlined how businesses can help to foster an understanding and interest in computer science at an early age by collaborating with local school districts to help meet their needs; mentoring students through volunteer organizations such as Junior Achievement, 4-H, and Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts; and demonstrating to students how computer science careers are “cool.”

The forthcoming result of the Computer Science Roundtable will be to distribute nationally, a written report stating STEM goals in the area of Computer Science and containing exemplary state practices, as well as business and school collaboration commitments.

Reissig said that any business interested in participating in programs to support computer science education by working with schools and mentoring, can fill out a form on the Delaware STEM Council’s website at delawarestem.org, or contact Reissig directly at greissig@pixstar.com.

Pixstar Inc. is a Certified Small Business headquartered in Lewes, providing analytics, data services, custom apps, program management and training.

The Delaware STEM Council’s mission is to work with educators, legislators, business and community leaders to foster science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Delaware to prepare students for careers of the 21st century which meet competitive challenges by fueling innovation and stimulating economic growth.