Massachusetts Computing Attainment Network (MassCAN)

Massachusetts Computing Attainment Network (MassCAN)

Project Director:

Sarita Pillai
Sarita Pillai

Funded by:

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), Google, Microsoft, State Street Bank, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Facebook, The Boston Foundation, Mass Life Sciences Center

Partners:

Google, MassTLC, Microsoft, Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Code.org, BATEC/UMass Boston, Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance/UMass Amherst, Framingham State University, UMass Lowell, MIT App Inventor Program, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, Massachusetts Business Education Alliance

Focus Area:

Education Workforce & SystemsElementary & Secondary EducationSTEM Education & Workforce DevelopmentYouth & Workforce Development

Services:

Policy

Region:

United States

Duration:

2013-2023

Challenge

Opportunities abound in Massachusetts’ innovative engineering and biotech sectors, but many companies are starved for talent. The reason? Too few of the state’s high school students are graduating with the skills, knowledge, and interest in pursuing careers in technology-based fields.

In response to this need, the Massachusetts Computing Attainment Network (MassCAN), of which EDC was the lead partner, brought together industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to improve computer science opportunities for Massachusetts students. MassCAN helped expand teachers’ awareness about, and interest in, computer science through professional development programs. It also facilitated the development of state policies and standards to prepare more young people for the technological opportunities—and futures—that await them.

Key Activities

EDC’s MassCAN team carried out the following activities to expand computer science education at the school, district, and state levels:

  • Offered professional development opportunities in computer science education for K–12 teachers
  • Facilitated the development of new K–12 computer science standards and digital literacy standards for Massachusetts
  • Supported the statewide adoption of the new advanced placement course in computer science
  • Increased computer science opportunities for students throughout Massachusetts

Our Impact

Through MassCAN, EDC achieved the following impacts:

  • Convened business and education leaders at Google to discuss effective strategies to expand access to computer science education
  • Published the first national report on state-level efforts to improve access to high-quality K–12 computer science education opportunities for all students in the United States.
  • Produced a K-12 curriculum guide that helps school districts choose the computer science curriculum that best meets their communities’ needs.
  • Provided professional development opportunities in computer science for over 400 K–12 Massachusetts teachers, reaching over 8,000 students.

Our Purpose

We work with partners worldwide to advance every person’s journey to learn, work, and be well.

Learn

Ignite curiosity to explore, question, and unlock innovation

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Work

Develop economic opportunities that drive progress

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Be Well

Build foundations for resilient, thriving communities

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