Robomatter, Incorporated and West Mifflin Area School District Launch STEM Computer Science Curriculum

Pittsburgh, PA, December 9, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Robomatter today announced that it will partner with the West Mifflin Area School District to provide computer science curriculum to over 1000 students in grades 4 – 8 beginning in February, 2016. The curriculum, which is based on research from the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, helps students develop 21st-century college and career readiness skills by using hands-on STEM content and curriculum to teach foundational mathematics, engineering, and programming skills, along with collaborative problem-solving, creative thinking, and computational thinking.

“We recognize the need for STEM and computer science education across grade levels,” says Dr. Dan Castagna, Superintendent of the West Mifflin Area School District. “Our district is very excited to partner with Robomatter to bring high quality computer science curriculum to our students and teachers. Because they offer a complete curriculum and comprehensive teacher training, Robomatter’s educational solutions really stood out as a great choice for our district.” 

No matter what field they choose, students will need the critical and analytical thinking skills that are developed from studying STEM subjects like computer science. We're pleased to be working with the West Mifflin Area School District to help prepare their students for both college and career success.

Jason McKenna , Director of Global Education Strategy, Robomatter, Inc.

“Computer science is critical for students’ futures, even if they don’t pursue STEM careers,” says Jason McKenna, Director of Global Education Strategy for Robomatter. “No matter what field they choose, students will need the critical and analytical thinking skills that are developed from studying STEM subjects like computer science. We’re pleased to be working with the West Mifflin Area School District to help prepare their students for both college and career success.”  

The launch coincides with a time when computer science jobs are growing but the number of computer science students is shrinking. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 586,982 open computing jobs in the U.S. in 2015. However, there were only 38,175 computer science graduates in 2014.

About Robomatter

Founded by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, Robomatter Incorporated uses research-based technology and teaching methods, developed at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Academy, to provide high-quality, cost-effective K-12 STEM education solutions to classrooms around the world, helping ensure students are ready to compete in a global, emerging economy.