On Tuesday, January 16, CSU President Dr. Laura Bloomberg, Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, Cleveland Foundation President and CEO Lillian Kuri, and Cleveland Metropolitan School District CEO Dr. Warren Morgan, gathered to announce the launch of Cleveland State University’s Center for Computing Education. The launch of the center is the result of a decade long partnership between CSU, CMSD, and Tri-C, designed to grow the pipeline of K-12 teachers in computer science and information technology education. The strategic alignment has helped Cleveland to become the leader among Ohio’s urban districts for computer science education offerings. With 84 teachers already trained, Cleveland students are better prepared to fill the in-demand and high paying jobs within the tech industry. 

The Center will be directed by Levin College’s Dr. Rebecca Odom-Bartel, Assistant Professor of Computer Science Education includes other Levin College faculty members including Dr. Brian Harper, Associate Professor of Educational Studies, Research and Technology, Dr. Patrick Wachira, Professor of Teacher Education, Crystal Franklin, Director K-12 Computer Science Education, and Chelsey Cook-Kohn, Director, Tech Talent Pipeline.  

During the event, Lieutenant Governor Husted announced a $650,000 grant through the State of Ohio’s Teach CSU program. He said the goal is to make Ohio the technology hub of the Midwest, which will begin with education in our schools and expanding opportunities to experience Computer Science and Information Technology. 

The Cleveland Foundation, which has generously invested $1.5 million in the partnership since 2016, announced an additional $400,000 in funding to support the new center.   

The event featured student and teacher demonstrations exemplifying high quality, accessible, justice-centered computer science education.  

Additional information on the Center for Computing Education and Instruction can be found here. »