[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 183 (Tuesday, December 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H6548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
Computer Science Education Week.
  Computer Science Education Week is a chance for students of all ages 
to learn about the importance and benefits of computer science and the 
endless professional opportunities that abound with a skills-based 
education.
  In today's world, technology influences every sector: healthcare, 
agriculture, transportation, entertainment, and beyond.
  Yet, many students are growing up without exposure to the 
foundational skills that power this innovation. Only about one-half of 
schools in the United States offer any kind of computer science 
coursework. That is a gap we cannot afford to ignore.
  As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, 
I have been proud to work across the aisle to invest in cutting-edge 
CTE programming that, in many cases, now incorporates computer science 
courses.
  Our Nation desperately needs skilled workers, and career and 
technical education is a win-win. It can offer rewarding professional 
futures for learners of all ages while closing the Nation's skill gap.
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Computer Science Education Week, we 
recognize the importance of equipping our young people with the skills 
they need to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital world.

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