INNOVATION feature with the opportunity to participate in this event to develop “technology creators, not just technology consumers.” Planning and training events helped prepare the principal, teachers, and PTO members for the weeklong event. The Lynns worked with Highland’s principal, Marilyn Naron, to help set up the event. Monica James, the school’s computer teacher, also played a large part in developing the plan to participate in the Code.org event. The collaborative efforts and 100 percent participation resulted in an award of $10,000 worth of computer equipment for Highland Elementary courtesy of Code.org. This award was presented to Highland Elementary by local and com-
continue to impact the landscape of education and innovation in the State of Mississippi. Lynn urges parents and community leaders everywhere to contact school administration, school boards, and legislators to promote computer science education. Future Mississippi Innovation Month activities and additional Hour of Coding events are already in the works. Lynn stated, “I believe computer science offers a huge opportunity to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in our state.” Together, Innovate Mississippi, local educators, and businesses are helping to foster an atmosphere of high achievement in computer science.
Governor Bryant stated, “Mississippi’s innovative economy is helping drive economic development for our state. Most recently, the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity named Mississippi fifth in the nation for business startup activity in 2013. This distinction would not be possible without the innovative people and businesses that make Mississippi great and drive innovative business growth.” munity leaders at the Hour of Coding kickoff and celebration event. During the kickoff and the following event days, students used the time each day to learn about coding using an online tutorial that featured characters from popular games, such as Plants vs. Zombies and Angry Birds. According to Lynn, only two high schools statewide offer AP Computer Science. Teaming with Innovate Mississippi, Code.org, and Highland Elementary, Lynn hopes to better equip Mississippi students for computer science careers. “Computer science careers are in demand, pay well, and offer a good work life, yet most young people do not choose computer science as a career path if they haven’t been exposed to it well before college. I think every Mississippi child deserves that opportunity,” said Lynn. Lynn hopes to use this year’s successes to encompass more schools into 2014’s Hour of Coding and Mississippi Innovation Month. Through news and promotional materials, the goal is to grow this event yearly until all schools offer this and many other computer science offerings to the students of Mississippi. Code.org is also providing free curriculum materials for schools and school districts to utilize in computer science instruction, as well as partnering with several schools to provide professional development for staff in computer science education. “Mississippi’s economy has so much potential right now. Adding another layer of knowledge-based training to our educational system now will pay exponential dividends down the road,” said Lynn. With the success of online enterprises, video games, and technology gadgets, careers in the computer science industry will continue to grow as a high-wage, high-demand career field. Events like the Hour of Coding, Mississippi Innovation Month, and others will
If you or your school district are interested in participating in Mississippi Innovation Month or the Hour of Code, visit www.MSInnovationEconomy.com or www.code.org for additional information.
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