WHAT: I would like to get AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles on the Curriculum at Palisade High School, Palisade, CO for Fall 2020. Historically, Palisade High School has not served the technological needs of students, providing them little access to technological development through coursework in a world that is constantly changing and evolving away from them. This petition aims to change that, with a highest priority to our low-income students who would not be able to receive technological support at home or anywhere else. What this means: the aim of this petition stands with the need to prioritize low-income, low-resource students first. This does not mean: create an AP Computer Science class and fill it with only International Baccalaureate kids (for clarification). 

WHY: Today, a job in Computer Science has the potential to change a student's circumstances radically, allow them access to the most prominent companies in the United States, a minimum salary to sustain a respectable way of life, freedom from a physical location they must live. Notably: it can enable them to escape the hardships that many of Palisade High School's students face such as imminent deportation, family financial and health problems, and the constant belief that they can never seek other ways of life or pursue their passions because financial hardships chase them. 

As a student of the 2017 Graduating Class, and despite of my advancing society, the highest technological requirement to graduate for me was TO LEARN HOW TO TYPE. No higher option was available or reflected at the curriculum at school. I had to learn to love computer science by looking elsewhere, other cities, other parts of the U.S. Luckily, I did, but many students never have the chance. Because they have not been shown a clear path to success, many quit college, and another highly life-changing option was never even introduced in their minds. 

Please see this video for inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=72&v=dVPUumrPZ48&feature=emb_logo 

ACTION: Computer Science is currently changing my life, like it changes the lives of many individuals from underserved communities. I will be in immediate and direct contact with Palisade High School Administration, the teachers who have been pushing Computer Science to be expanded more in PHS in the past few years, the D51 Superintendent office, the Hi Fives Robotics Team in the Grand Valley, Elementary and Middle School FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Programs in the Grand Valley, the Colorado Board of Education, ofcourse the students, and my current and past places of work to:

BRING AWARENESS, FUND, AND EXECUTE these immediate needs in our community. All support and feedback welcome at https://www.facebook.com/Grand-Valley-FIRST-517949731724182 

MORE: In many high schools and middle schools around the country, Computer Science is an integral part of every curriculum. There are more job openings in Computer Science than in any other engineering field and continuously growing, and my personal experience is that many engineers, non-engineers, business people, researchers, marketing experts alike have to learn an aspect of computer science to reach a higher level of success in their careers. Then why is this not taught? I do not want to see our students left behind.

My final case rests that the Grand Valley (Grand Junction, CO and surrounding areas) are constantly in search of a new industry that will bring wealth back to Grand Junction, and allow its continued development. The fact that we have not invested in the tech industry, and the educational pipeline that feeds this industry further, astounds me. This year, Facebook, Twitter and other major companies have announced that they will be making imminent plans to #WorkFromHomeForever. This translates to immediate employability for our students in the coming years, while never having to leave the things that tie them to the Grand Valley. Please consider preparing our students for the opportunity ahead.