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Amazon is making a $15 million donation to Code.org to help the Seattle nonprofit launch a new Advanced Placement computer science programming course aimed at underrepresented groups of students.

The gift from Amazon Future Engineer will be used to create a course that teaches students the same concepts as the existing AP Computer Science A (AP CSA) course. But it will have an inclusive focus that takes into account the unique cultural perspectives, interests, and experiences of Black, Latino, Native American (BLNA), and other minority students, according to a news release Tuesday.

The goal is to increase access, participation, and achievement in computer science among high school students of all backgrounds and encourage a more diverse range of students to pursue careers in engineering.

Code.org, which aims to teach computer science to every child in America, will design the course to bring real-world concerns and experiences into computer science concepts and class activities.

We are excited to develop a much-needed AP-level programming course to inspire, engage, and prepare a more diverse population of students in high school computer science, Code.org founder and CEO Hadi Partovi said in a statement. With our experience of designing CS curricula that break records in student participation and diversity, we are confident of the courses potential impact, and we are grateful for Amazons generous support to make it possible.

State education leaders in Georgia, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Ohio have already pledged to participate in piloting the new AP CSA course during the 2021-2022 school year. Code.org will supply the curriculum and professional development workshops needed to offer the course to all participating schools. Additionally, each state has committed to requiring all of its high schools to offer computer science classes by the 2024-2025 school year. Teachers and others interested in the program can sign up to receive news and updates as the course development progresses. Code.org will make the new course available for all schools nationwide for the 2022-2023 school year.

Amazons $15 million donation will be paid over three years. The company previously committed $10 million to the nonprofit in 2017.

Launched in 2018, Amazon Future Engineer is taking the childhood-to-career approach to inspire and educate children and young adults from underserved communities that are underrepresented in tech. Its part of Amazons $50 million investment in computer science/STEM education. The company has donated more than $10 million to organizations that promote such programs across the country.

Microsoft is also a longtime supporter of Code.org. The company donated $7.5 million last year to help Code.org roll out anew AI curriculum to help K-12 students learn about artificial intelligence and $10 million in 2018.

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Amazon donating $15M to Code.org to create AP computer science course with inclusive focus - GeekWire