This summer Washington Middle School received the exciting news that Verizon will be awarding the school with a $20,000 grant donation for the purpose of expanding the already successful Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program to include Introduction to Computer Science courses. The grant will cover expenses to start the program including teacher training, software, and equipment such as Android tablets and computers. Students participating in the course will begin with the basic of programming and coding and eventually progress to building working Android application. Veteran Math and PLTW teacher Mrs. Bowen will be the program's pilot instructor.
On the expansion of Computer Science at Washington, Principal Dr. Mario Carlos offered, "we are extremely excited to be able to add Introduction to Computer Science to our STEM program at Washington. Along with CAD design, robotics, electrical engineering, and aeronautics, this will allow students to receive training in the field of computers and programming to further prepare Washington students with success in 21st century college and careers."