We are one of 28 states that count computer science as a core credit toward high school graduation. We must do better.Īrkansas has already taken several positive steps. schools teaches any computer-science courses. Given the central importance of computing to our nation's economy and way of life, it is distressing that only one in four U.S. Computing is no longer a special skill that only needs to be mastered by IT professionals. Though not everyone will pursue careers in technology, the ability to use a computer is becoming just as fundamental as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Technology has become part of the fabric of our lives, impacting how we work, communicate, and learn. My Little Rock-based company, ClearPointe, has been an advocate for the advancement of IT skills in Arkansas since it began in 1993. Health care, banking, and retailing all depend on computing-and we need a future work force that is computer-literate. For example, today's auto mechanics regularly diagnose and repair cars, drawing on technology as well as mechanical skills. In Arkansas, there were more than 2,000 open computing jobs in 2014, but only 272 computer-science college graduates to help fill the demand.Ĭonsidering that the average salary for a computing occupation in Arkansas is $68,933-nearly twice the state average-it is clear that we are not adequately preparing our students to pursue the best job opportunities in the 21st century digital economy.Ĭomputing skills in fact are becoming increasingly central to jobs across industries.
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