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Unlocking Doors for Students

We Prepare Our Students

Only 41 schools in Iowa (19% of IA schools with AP programs) offered the AP Computer Science course in 2017-2018. There are fewer AP exams taken in computer science than in any other STEM subject area. But why is computer science important, especially if a student won’t major in computer science? Technology surrounds us, and just as students are expected to take biology and physics to understand the world around them, computer science courses help explain the technical world they interact with every day.

We Support Our Teachers

Since 2017, NewBoCo has been training in-service K-12 teachers across the state of Iowa to teach computer science. We have trained more than 900 educators who have brought computer science to more than 35,000 K-12 students.

We Support Our Economy

The State of Iowa averages over 3,037 open computing jobs, but only about 679 computer science graduates per year. The average salary for a computing occupation in Iowa is $83,048, which is significantly higher than the average salary in the state $54,553. Careers are available in chemical, insurance, agricultural, financial, and educational sectors, among many more.

Our Program Works

From rural to urban schools, this program can be implemented in any educational environment. You can learn more from Osage School District (approximately 1,000 K-12 students enrolled) and Cedar Rapids Community School District (Iowa's second largest school district).

We Offer Professional Development Opportunities

This is an ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) aligned professional development program.

Teachers Can Learn for Free

There is state funding available to train Iowa's teachers how to teach computer science.

It's Good for Our State

Governor Kim Reynolds encourages every school in Iowa to teach computer science through Senate File 274.

How to Get Started

About NewBoCo K-12 Education

NewBoCo advocates for access to computer science and STEM education for ALL students in Iowa. We offer a variety of student and educator program options, and are the designated provider of Code.org Professional Learning Programs in Iowa. Our role includes providing quality professional development to educators through local school district partnerships and acting as a regional hub of the global computer science education movement. NewBoCo will work with schools and provide networking and collaboration events for computer science teachers.

Meet Samantha

Samantha Dahlby helps schools implement STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) into their curricula in a fun and engaging way. She leads NewBoCo’s partnership with Code.org to provide high-quality computer science professional development for teachers. Her goal is to make computer science education accessible to all of Iowa’s students.

Code.org Standards Alignment

CSTA Standards

Computer Science Discoveries Standards

Computer Science Fundamentals Standards

Computer Science Principles Standards

Iowa's Participation

Participation in Iowa has grown from 2017-2020! Open the map legend to view different years.

Learn how you can open doors for students!