Computer science and engineering are increasingly important fields that are suffering from a lack of employees in the field, especially females, according to Russellville Middle School Principal Karen Thorn. That reality makes her even more excited about the Alabama Middle School Computer Initiative Competitive Grant RMS recently received.

“The purpose of the grant is to increase interest in the field and make students aware of the career opportunities that will be available to them,” Thorn said.

RMS applied for the $25,000 grant at the beginning of October and received confirmation of the school’s approval at the end of November. The grant is provided through the Alabama State Department of Education.

Thorn said the title of their proposal was “Phasing into the Future” because their plan for the grant funding is divided into four phases.

“These phases will help (students) design apps, learn coding and programming and learn about robotics,” she said.

The first phase focuses on introductory information to computer science and programming. In the second phase, the students will be more hands-on, with 3D printing and Makey Makey Kits. Students will start to apply their learning in the third phase by integrating their physical computing skills into other subjects and using VEX IQ robotics systems.

Phase four is what Thorn calls the “Outcome Stage,” when the students will be doing projects and creating designs for people.

Computer Skills and Computer Science Discoveries teacher Aleah Harris is pairing up with Career Prep teacher Diane Townley to help show the students what their future careers could be in the computer science field.

“I think this will give us the opportunity we need to really have a meaningful computer science department here at the middle school.  I am excited about the direction our program is going,” Harris said.

Since this is the first year the middle school has had a computer science class, Harris said it has been challenging but that the students are “excited to be doing something new and learning something that can help them in their futures.”

Thorn said she plans to purchase a mobile lab with 30 Chromebooks, an Apple computer, engineering kits and 3D printers with the grant money to help the students learn these skills.