Senator Jesse Hamilton Statement on Mayor De Blasio Computer Science for All Students Plan

Brooklyn, NY – Senator Jesse Hamilton released the following statement: “Mayor Bill de Blasio’s new computer science initiative offers an important step towards better equipping our students for the workforce of the future. I represent families who send their children to some of the most successful and some of the most challenged school districts in New York City – high performing schools like P.S. 321 in Park Slope, as well as schools struggling to succeed in Brownsville, where in some schools more than 20% of students live in shelters. Some are giving up on public schools on both ends of the spectrum, with some private schools offering more up-to-date facilities and, on the other end of the spectrum, at-risk youth dropping out of school and being lost to gangs and violence.

This new computer science program offers an exciting prospect, engaging students at all ends of that spectrum. Creating pathways to well-paying jobs and connecting youth to technology they use every day. Learning tech empowers our youth. The Mayor’s plan offers our young people a chance to take control of the technology that surrounds them. What's more, coders with only a high school diploma can earn up to $80,000—now that’s an incentive for kids and their families.

Teaching computer science has many challenges, from the rapid pace of technological change to the need to ensure schools have the resources for all aspects of education, including physical education, arts education, as well as tech education. Teaching technology cannot be a diversion from meeting all the needs of New York City’s young scholars. We need more support for schools, more support for teachers, and more respect for education in general.

I will continue to collaborate with the New York City Foundation for Computer Science Education (CSNYC) and I will continue to partner in advancing the #CodeBrooklyn agenda – especially at great Brownsville schools like P.S. 284. Schools can reach out to #CodeBrooklyn at http://bit.ly/codebrooklyn-school-interest-form and interested volunteers can reach out to #CodeBrooklyn at http://bit.ly/codebrooklyn-volunteerform . On the state level, we need to update state laws so that educators can get licensed in Computer Science. The Mayor, CSNYC, and all advocates for high quality public education can count on my support for our school system truly prepare students for the future.”

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