Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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December 09, 2024
WHEREAS, Computer Science Education Week highlights the crucial role that computer science plays in transforming our society, enabling innovation and creating economic opportunities; and,
WHEREAS, computing technology is an integral part of modern culture and is transforming how people interact with each other and the world around them. Computer science is transforming industry, creating new fields of commerce, driving innovation in all fields of science, and bolstering productivity in established economic sectors; and,
WHEREAS, artificial intelligence literacy refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with how artificial intelligence works, including fundamental concepts in computer science, how to use artificial intelligence safely, responsibly, and ethically; and,
WHEREAS, the field of computer science, including cybersecurity education showcases the need to inspire, engage, and inform the public about the demand, opportunities, and career options available for supporting and protecting critical IT infrastructure that enhances the nation’s security and promotes economic prosperity; and,
WHEREAS, annually Michigan is projected to have nearly 9,000 annual openings in computer and mathematical-related occupations; and,
WHEREAS, providing students the chance to participate in high-quality computer science activities exposes them to the rich opportunities the field offers and provides critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives; and,
WHEREAS, students deserve access to computer science education, including access to the qualified teachers, technology, and age-appropriate curriculum needed to learn computer science at the elementary and secondary levels of education; and,
WHEREAS, computer science education has challenges to address, including improving access to computer science learning opportunities for all students, and providing professional development for all STEM teachers; and,
WHEREAS, participating in an Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week can serve to demystify the field of computer science and encourage more students to take up further studies of computer science; and,
WHEREAS, the field of computer science has significant equity barriers to address, including attracting and retaining a field of candidates diverse in race, ethnicity, and gender at all levels and branches; and,
WHEREAS, Grace Murray Hopper, one of the first females in the field of computer science, engineered new programming languages and pioneered standards for computer systems which laid the foundation for many advancements in computer science; and,
WHEREAS, the MiSTEM Advisory Council invites stakeholders to join in supporting the STEM collaboratives in growing connections to communities and careers through a collective state strategy;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim December 9-15, 2024 as Computer Science Education Week in Michigan.