CCEI Demonstrates Commitment to Expanding Access to Computer Science Education 

Nearly 200 area business, non-profit, philanthropic and public sector leaders—as well as educators and students—recently came together to celebrate the launch of The Center for Computing Education and Instruction (CCEI) at 51���� (51����). Attendees included Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education Mike Duffey, 51���� President Dr. Laura Bloomberg, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) CEO Dr. Warren Morgan and The Cleveland Foundation President and CEO Lillian Kuri.

The establishment of the center comes after more than a decade of work between 51����, CMSD, The Cleveland Foundation and many other partners to expand equitable access to high-quality CS education and related careers in Cleveland through teacher training and support, courses and programming, awareness and exploration. 

“Computing and information technology jobs are expected to grow nearly twice as fast as the labor market in the next 10 years,” said Dr. Bloomberg. “The number of CMSD graduates choosing to pursue CS-related degrees continues to increase, thanks in part to our strong 51����-CMSD teacher education partnership; the support of numerous community partners and organizations; and the support of Lt. Gov. Husted, Chancellor Mike Duffey and state legislative leaders.” 

“Together with 51����, CMSD is committed to expanding access to CS courses in schools, supporting ALL students to participate and succeed in those courses—especially those who have been historically underrepresented in the field—and to ramp up CS and IT-related career experiences and work-based learning,” added Dr. Morgan.

Watch the video to learn more about the center’s plans to to deepen and spread impact locally, and to scale its programming and support in both urban and rural communities across the state.