LT. GOVERNOR BYSIEWICZ ANNOUNCES SPONSORS OF 4th ANNUAL COMPUTING CHALLENGE

(HARTFORD, CT) - Today, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, announced the sponsors of the 4th Annual Lt. Governor's Computing Challenge – a statewide coding competition for Connecticut students, which was inspired by the work of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls’ Subcommittee on Education and STEAM. Since its inception, the Challenge has engaged thousands of students and STEM educators statewide to support and foster the future of computer science within our state. Most recently, the Challenge has grown to become a vehicle to foster computer science education within our school curriculum. 

“Allowing students to explore an interest in computer science early in their academic careers allows them to think about a future degree or career in computer science and STEM. And industry and community leaders, sponsors and creative partnerships play a critical role in fostering that pipeline of future STEM leaders,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Thank you to each of our sponsors – including Presenting Sponsor, Amazon, and Professional Development Benefactor, Infosys Foundation USA – for helping us to make this year's challenge possible and inspiring our next generation of STEM leaders. And thank you to the Challenge committee and our partners for expanding the reach and accessibility of the Challenge.” 

“The Lt. Governor’s Computing Challenge provides an opportunity for all students to experience the power of creativity and computing. Each year, I am impressed with the projects submitted to this challenge by our students in grades three through twelve,” said Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker. “Thanks to the support of Infosys Foundation USA and CodeJoy, over 100 teachers participated in professional learning and over 2,000 students engaged in virtual student sessions. Through these experiences, I am confident that a growing number of students will gain an interest in and take advantage of a wide range of STEM courses available to them.”

"From its inception, Lt. Governor's Computing Challenge aimed to spark an interest in coding and technology among Connecticut students - particularly girls," said Timothy D. Larson, Executive Director of the Office of Higher Education and Co-Chair of the Council of Women and Girls' Education and STEAM subcommittee. "Over the past three years, I've been very impressed by the students and their ideas for computing applications.  I want to thank the companies that stepped up to support the Challenge because partnerships such as these are an investment in Connecticut's youth and their future."

"When Lt. Governor Bysiewicz launched the Computing Challenge three years ago, we were an early sponsor. Now entering its fourth year, the Foundation has elevated our contribution to supporting the Challenge further with strategic funding that targets engagement of teachers and students in CT, encouraging them to confidently lean into this innovative initiative,” said Kate Maloney, Executive Director, Infosys Foundation USA. “It’s our aspiration to empower young minds to explore computer science and the Challenge offers them the opportunity to hone their creativity and problem-solving skills, while opening doors to be a part of the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders.”

“At AT&T, we know technology has the power to change lives. That’s why we share Lt. Governor Bysiewicz’s commitment to getting STEAM education programs to as many students as possible, especially young women and underserved communities. There is incredible value to this kind of real-world STEAM experience,” said John Emra, President – AT&T Atlantic Region. “Programs like the Computing Challenge empower kids to explore technology, apply it to the world around them and exercise their own imaginations, as they grow into Connecticut’s next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders. We can’t wait to see what these kids can do.” 

“As a media and technology company that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Comcast understands the importance of ensuring all students have the opportunity to pursue an education and career in an increasingly digital workforce,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Western New England Region, which is based in Connecticut. “Though our support of Lt. Governor Bysiewicz’s Computing Challenge, we will help inspire more Connecticut students to consider a future career in STEM and become equipped with the digital skills and readiness needed to be successful and have a future of unlimited possibilities.”

"A key element of this computing challenge is how solutions-focused it is," said Shannon Marimón, executive director for ReadyCT, a statewide organization focused on advancing academic excellence and career-connected learning in Connecticut's public schools. "The challenge inspires students to employ computational thinking, and even coding, to solve real world problems, which is exactly what we want to see in our public school graduates -- for them to become problem solvers. Importantly, that's also what Connecticut employers want to see, too. Across all our efforts bringing the business and education communities together, we hear time and again how eager employers are to meet and recruit students with keen critical thinking and problem solving skills, which can be applied to some of our most pressing challenges."    

"EdAdvance has been thrilled to support the Lt Governor's Computing Challenge since its inception,” said Matt Mervis, Director, Skills21 - EdAdvance. “I believe the challenge is an excellent way to get students, teachers and families excited about Computer Science in Connecticut and we are confident that the challenge will serve students well as they continue along their education and career pathway.”

In addition to the above sponsors and partners, the Challenge grew this year by using existing computing and/or STEM models within our schools that were provided by LEGO® Education, and by encouraging more girls to participate by obtaining a “Coding for Good” badge with their Girl Scout troop.

The Computing Challenge is currently under way, and open to Connecticut students in grades 3-12. Submissions will be accepted until April 28, 2023. This year, students were asked to design a computing application or website while keeping in mind the theme of “Coding for Good.”

On June 9, 2023, students, teachers, parents, corporate and non-profit partners will gather to celebrate the finalists as they present their work to the public through interactive digital media, presentations, and exhibition space. 

For more information on the Challenge, visit https://www.ltgovcc.org/.