---
title: "ITIF Commends Introduction of Computer Science Education Bill"
summary: |-
  Despite the growing use of computers and software in every facet of the economy, only recently has computer science education begun to gain traction in American school systems.
date: "2016-09-21"
content_type: "Press Releases"
canonical_url: "https://itif.org/publications/2016/09/21/itif-commends-introduction-computer-science-education-bill/"
---

# ITIF Commends Introduction of Computer Science Education Bill

WASHINGTON—The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a technology policy think tank, today released the following statement from President Robert Atkinson welcoming Rep. Barbara Lee’s (D-CA) introduction of legislation to codify the Obama administration’s Computer Science for All program:

*Despite the growing use of computers and software in every facet of the economy, only recently has computer science education begun to gain traction in American school systems. K-12 computer science education is essential to training a skilled workforce that can meet 21st century challenges and keep the United States competitive in advanced industries. Unfortunately, computer science is not offered in the majority of American high schools, let alone in primary schools. Exacerbating this, there is also a major gender and racial disparity when it comes to who studies computer science.*

*We commend the introduction of this legislation because President Obama's “Computer Science for All” initiative will help expand vital computer science education opportunities to all U.S. students, giving states needed federal coordination and support for teacher training programs and curriculum development initiatives.*

To learn more about computer science education, see ITIF’s report, “[The Case for Improving U.S. Computer Science Education](/publications/2016/05/31/case-improving-us-computer-science-education).”

---
*Source: Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF)*
*URL: https://itif.org/publications/2016/09/21/itif-commends-introduction-computer-science-education-bill/*