(HARTFORD, CT) - Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz applauds the 45 submissions highlighted as part of the Lt. Governor's 5th Annual Computing Challenge, “Coding for Good” presented this year by Amazon. This year’s challenge asked Connecticut students in grades 3 through 12 to create applications designed to inspire health and wellness for all, and submit their designs through one of three options: concept, prototype, or development.

"The Lt. Governor’s Annual Computing Challenge was born out of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, Education & STEAM Subcommittee with the goal to encourage educational advancement for women and girls in STEAM areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. Computer Science education, especially at an early age, allows our students the opportunity to be curious and engaged in the possibility of their future,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “Each year, the challenge brings me a lot of joy to see such excellent work from our very talented and smart students from across the state and to have the ability to highlight just a small snapshot of the incredible talent our young people and educators have.”

Made possible by the support and participation of various sponsors, selected students, representing 18 different districts across the state, were able to showcase their challenge projects at an in-person recognition event hosted by the Professional Development Benefactor sponsor, Infosys Foundation USA, at the Infosys Digital Innovation Center in Hartford.

“For the fifth consecutive year, Infosys Foundation proudly supports the Lt. Governor’s Computing Challenge as the Professional Development Benefactor and host of the in-person Recognition Event which is designed to bring students together with their families, educators and the wider community to celebrate their achievements,” said Kate Maloney, Executive Director of Infosys Foundation. “In this year of record-setting student participation we’re thrilled to welcome representatives from newly participating schools and local organizations who have come together to support the mission of expanding computer science, maker and STEM education across CT. We are honored to co-sponsor this dynamic challenge led by Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and supported by the committed CT educators whose passion creates ripple effects of opportunity for their students in this era of so much technology.”

Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, attended the recognition event, along with representatives of corporate and philanthropic sponsors to congratulate the students and learn more about the inspiration and design of their projects.

"The Connecticut State Department of Education is grateful to Lt. Governor Bysiewicz for her leadership and commitment to advancing computer science education in Connecticut,” CSDE Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “Through the Lt. Governor's Computing Challenge, students gain hands-on experience in coding, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. These opportunities help to open a path for students to transition from tech consumers to creators and pioneers, while unlocking infinite possibilities in the world of STEM.”

“It’s wonderful to see how the Computing Challenge has grown since first being introduced to students and teachers five years ago,” stated OHE Commissioner Timothy D. Larson, Tri-Chair of the COWAG Education and STEAM Subcommittee. “Even more exciting is the growing number of females who submit entries each year. Encouraging young women and girls to stay interested in STEM education and technology throughout high school and into college goes a long way toward increasing the number of women working in those very fields as adults.”

“We’re proud to support the 2024 Lt. Governor’s Computing Challenge and commend all participating students on their excellent proposals,” said Jerome Smith, Amazon’s head of community engagement in New England. “Amazon is committed to increasing youth and adult access to STEM opportunities and the Challenge is a great springboard for Connecticut students to develop coding skills and tech solutions that inspire health, wellness, and positive change in their communities.”

The 2023-24 school year was the fifth successive year the computing challenge was held. For this year’s challenge, more than 453 projects were submitted, emphasizing the creativity and ingenuity of Connecticut’s students.

Contact: Sam Taylor 

Samantha.Taylor@ct.gov  

(860) 805-1408