WHEREAS, Computer Science Education Week highlights the crucial role that computer science and computing technology plays in transforming our society, enabling innovation, and creating economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the field of computer science underpins the information technology sector of North Carolina’s economy, which in turn contributes significantly to the United States’ economic output; and
WHEREAS, the outlook for computer science jobs is bright with over 500,000 open computing positions across the country; and
WHEREAS, computer science education provides fundamental learning in computational thinking that enables students to develop and apply critical thinking skills, demonstrate creativity, practice collaboration, exhibit leadership, and employ problem-solving skills; and
WHEREAS, all students deserve a thorough preparation in computer science education, including access to highly qualified and well-prepared teachers, technology, age-appropriate curriculum needed to learn computer science at the elementary and secondary levels of education, and the opportunity to count computer science classes towards their high school graduation; and
WHEREAS, the field of computer science and computer science education have significant equity barriers to address, including attracting more participation by women and underrepresented minorities to all levels and branches; and
WHEREAS, Governor Roy Cooper joined the Governors’ Partnership for K-12 Computer Science, a bipartisan group of state leaders committed to advancing policy and funding access to, and increasing equity in, K-12 computer science education; and
WHEREAS, the week of December 5, in honor of Grace Hopper's birthday, is designated as Computer Science Education Week;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December 5 – 11, 2022, as “COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.