Hot Springs High School has received the 2015-2017 Computer Science Initiative Grant through the Arkansas Department of Education in the amount of $20,000.
The school supports Gov. Asa Hutchinson's computer science initiative by providing students an opportunity to gain a foundation in computer science before they leave high school.
Currently, only 2 percent of students study computer science. Arkansas only graduated 326 computer science majors in 2013, while there were 1,950 computer science jobs.
"Students today need to be prepared for jobs that do not even exist yet," said the Hot Springs School District in a press release. "Hot Springs High School is committed to ensuring our students are ready for those jobs. Through this end, HSHS is applying to be a District Conversion Charter School.
"The time is now to be innovative and flexible in our schools to meet the needs of all of our students and to prepare them to be productive citizens as they are our future."
The school is exploring academy-style learning options, including computer science/technology programs, to enrich students' learning. The programs will be based on the needs of career fields leading to high growth/high wage jobs.
"Students will have the ability to gain a high school diploma, associate's degree and industry certification upon graduation," the release said. "Providing real-world experiences will empower our youth beyond high school."
The district plans to unveil additional information in the weeks and months ahead as the transitional process unfolds. Opportunities will be planned for community input, including a public hearing scheduled for Aug. 6 in the Hot Springs High School's Mackey Theatre at 6 p.m.
School on 07/26/2015