20 schools selected for Software Engineering Pilot program Metro.us

20 schools selected for Software Engineering Pilot program

(Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office)

Beginning this fall, students at 20 New York City middle and high schools will have the chance to add courses such as web design, 3-D printing and animation to their class schedules.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott announced on Monday the names of the schools selected to receive a comprehensive computer science and software engineering curriculum. First introduced in the mayor’s State of the City address earlier this month, the Software Engineering Pilot program is a part of the city’s efforts to prepare more students for careers in the growing technology sector.

“The tech industry in New York City continues to expand significantly under Mayor Bloomberg’s leadership, and our public schools are rising to meet the challenge,” said Walcott. “The Software Engineering Pilot will provide students with the foundational skills they need to compete for high-paying, career track jobs in a variety of professional fields.”

The announcement was made at the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology in Brooklyn, one of the selected schools. One thousand students are expected to participate this fall. By 2016, the program will grow to 3,500 students.

The program will give students grades 6 through 12 access to courses covering topics such as computer programming, embedded electronics, web design and program, e-textiles, robotics and mobile computing.

The pilot also provides teacher training and ensures school have access to technology resources to support the courses.

The schools were chosen after a competitive application process. They are: