Play Piper CSForALL Community Announcement

Play Piper CSForALL Community Announcement

Play Piper Announces New Commitments to Strengthen Computer Science Education Movement through Equity Across the Nation

Milwaukee, WI; Thursday, October 24, 2024— Today, Play Piper proudly joins CSforALL in unveiling an exciting array of 143 new commitments from 136 dynamic organizations, including schools, nonprofits, universities, curriculum innovators, and corporate partners. As part of the eighth annual CSforALL Summit, our collective goal is to move beyond theory, inspiring real change in computer science education that empowers students to become the creators, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

“At Play Piper, we’re passionate about giving students across the U.S. the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly tech-driven world,” says Chris Bouman, CMO of Play Piper. “We believe that when kids are excited about technology and confident in their abilities, they’ll be better prepared for the future—no matter what path they choose. Our mission is to build that confidence today so they can make a positive impact on the world tomorrow.”

CSforALL commitments are designed to be actionable and measurable steps toward making computer science education inclusive and accessible to all U.S. youth. This public commitment model addresses national challenges and fosters the momentum needed to build a sustainable K-12 computer science education system both inside and outside the classroom. This year, commitment-makers were invited to focus on four categories: broadening participation in computing (BPC), increasing equitable access and outcomes, building capacity, and raising awareness. A new category was introduced for 2024 to help ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in computing.

Since 2017, an impressive 1,699 commitments have been made at CSforALL Summits, representing a tidal wave of support for building a future where all students can engage with technology. The 2024 Summit, held in Milwaukee and hosted by local partners Marquette University and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, showcases strategies for equity, removes barriers to access, and spotlights how we can lead action to create real impact.

At Play Piper, we’re excited to make two bold commitments that reflect our core mission of empowering both educators and students from diverse communities nationwide:

Commitment #1: Play Piper will empower 1,000 educators and para-educators across the U.S. by Summer 2025, providing them with the foundational skills and confidence they need to bring successful computer science programs to their schools and communities. Through hands-on experiences, these educators will dive into building electronics and coding simple programs, equipping them with the tools to spark a love of computer science in their students.

Commitment #2: Play Piper will engage 1,000 students in grades 3-8 in foundational artificial intelligence (AI) learning by the end of Summer 2025, giving them the opportunity to explore one of the most exciting fields in tech. Our goal is to reach diverse communities and ensure students of all backgrounds have access to cutting-edge technology education that sets them up for success in the future.

The 2024 CSforALL Summit brings together hundreds of thought leaders, educators, and changemakers from across the country. Together with Marquette University and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, we’re pushing for meaningful action to ensure that every student—regardless of their background—has the chance to shine in the world of computer science.