“Computer science (CS) is a necessary skill in our technology-based society, but unfortunately not all students are aware of the computer science options available to them,” said Carol Ribeiro, President and CEO of The Virtual High School (VHS, Inc.). “My high school computer science education helped me select my college major and define my career path. Now, through The Virtual High School and the White House Computer Science for All initiative (#CSForAll), all students can have opportunities that lead to exciting career choices in computing.”

VHS is pleased to announce a new computing certificate program to celebrate Computer Science Education Week (#CSEdWeek). The Virtual High School’s new program was also announced in the White House Fact Sheet, released today, highlighting actions in support of #CSForAll.

The new VHS computing certificate program will encourage students across the US to become interested in computing and to better understand the career options available to them in CS and related fields. The program complements other recent VHS computer science initiatives. In fall 2016, the organization launched AP® Computer Science Principles, an introductory college-level computer science course designed for all students in grades 10-12, not just those interested in STEM subjects. VHS was among the first online providers in the United States to offer this College Board-approved course.

The Virtual High School is also a member of the non-profit CSforAll Consortium whose goal is to expand access to computer science education for all students. The CSforAll Consortium provides a central location for access to computer science education providers, schools, funders and researchers. 

“We’re pleased to build new partnerships and expand the ways in which we help students acquire critical thinking and problem solving skills through computer science,” said Ribeiro. “Through the White House #CSforAll initiative and the CSforAll Consortium VHS is privileged to work with a dedicated group of people and organizations helping ensure all students regardless of their geography, gender, or economic circumstance, have access to computer science education.”