Oregon governor unveils $5M for computer science education during Eugene visit

EUGENE, Ore. - Gov. Kate Brown visited SparkLab in Eugene - and unveiled a plan to spark new computer science STEM education in Oregon with $5 million in federal dollars for schools and community organizations.

"Every child in Oregon deserves an education that will give them an equal shot at success in our modern economy,” Brown said. “A deep understanding of computer science is a critical skill for today’s workforce. That’s why I am proud to announce this important investment and chart a roadmap to ensure equitable access to computer science skills for Oregon's students.”

The money will fund efforts "to provide students across Oregon access to computer science education," according to the governor's office.

In a statement, Brown's office said:

The investment is part of a new initiative to provide access to computer science education opportunities for every public high school student in Oregon by the 2027-2028 school year.

Brown made the announcement for STEM week (May 9-13) while visiting Connected Lane County’s SparLab in Eugene. The program offers extended out-of-school STEM education and training opportunities for youth to gain hands-on experience.

“Existing computer science initiatives in schools across Oregon, whether in STEM-focused classes, AP/IB, or CTE, have been delivering for students, but these initiatives have not yet reached into all the schools or all the diverse communities of our state,” said Colt Gill, Director of Oregon Department of Education. “Today’s direction from Governor Brown allows Oregon to grow STEM and CTE technology literacy and computer science courses with a focus on inclusivity for female students, students of color, and other students who have historically been marginalized and left out of these opportunities. The workplace has changed, and these initiatives are needed to offer our students the boost they need to be future ready.”

The money comes from existing Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds "and will be dedicated to schools and community-based organizations to ensure students across Oregon, particularly women and students of color, are provided with education and enrichment opportunities related to computer science," the governor's office said.