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Amazon is partnering with Lexington County School District One to provide funding for computer science education and teacher professional development at 17 elementary schools in the district. This initiative will impact more than 12,000 students, many of whom come from underserved communities and underrepresented groups in the tech industry. The program is part of Amazon Future Engineer’s goal to bring computer science education to 500,000 elementary students by 2025.
To implement the program, Amazon is working with BootUp PD, a nonprofit organization specializing in elementary school education. BootUp PD will provide virtual professional development sessions for teachers, equipping them with the necessary tools to teach coding to their students. The aim is to provide high-quality computer science education during the school day to address skill gaps and empower students to become creators of technology.
Lexington One Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it positions the district to help students develop skills in problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. By learning to code, students gain confidence in tackling complex problems and develop persistence in the face of challenges. The partnership with Amazon Future Engineer will ensure consistent learning across all elementary schools in the district.
Victor Reinoso, Global Director of Amazon’s philanthropic education initiatives, commended teachers for their dedication to inspiring young students and sparking their interest in computer science. He emphasized Amazon’s commitment to providing high-quality curriculum, professional development, and benefits to support educators in teaching life-changing skills.
According to BootUp’s Chief Executive Officer Savita Raj, this partnership is the first national sponsorship focused on sustainable computer science education available to all students district-wide. The goal is to build a community of curious, innovative learners who will have a positive impact on the future.
Amazon’s dedication to promoting computer science and STEM education extends beyond this partnership with Lexington County School District One. The company has already donated over $20 million to organizations that champion these educational initiatives. Currently, there are 88 schools in South Carolina participating in the Amazon Future Engineer program.
Lexington County School District One serves more than 27,000 students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The district encompasses 31 schools and offers various programs, including early college and adult education. The partnership with Amazon Future Engineer will give students and employees the opportunity to excel in academics, athletics, fine arts, community service, and more.
Amazon Future Engineer is a global childhood-to-career computer science education program aimed at inspiring and educating millions of students from historically underrepresented communities. Through school curriculum, project-based learning, and scholarships, Amazon Future Engineer encourages students to explore computer science and develop skills in coding, problem-solving, and creativity.
BootUp PD is a nonprofit organization specializing in sustainable, district-wide elementary computer science professional development. Since 2015, BootUp has worked with over 1,000 elementary schools in 23 states, impacting over 600,000 students. Their programs provide ongoing professional development, model teaching, and instructional coach support to help educators engage students with meaningful coding activities.
This partnership between Amazon, Lexington County School District One, and BootUp PD exemplifies Amazon’s commitment to increasing access to computer science and STEM education nationwide.
