Computer science has become one of the most valuable skills in the modern workforce. According to 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, careers in computer and information technology are expected to expand at a rate well above the national average for all occupations between 2024 and 2034. Despite this, only a fraction of students nationwide have access to high-quality programs in this field. Closing this gap is critical to ensuring that young people have the skills they need to succeed in careers that will shape the future.
Code.org is helping to bridge this gap through accessible resources that can support students, parents, teachers, schools and policymakers alike.
Code.org Helps Broaden Computer Science Learning Opportunities
Code.org is a leading organization working to bring computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) curricula to more students. The Code.org platform offers a range of resources, from classroom lesson plans to policy guides, designed to make computer science more accessible.
- For School Districts: Code.org partners with school districts across the U.S. to integrate computer science into K–12 classrooms, ensuring teachers are equipped with the tools they need.
- For Parents and Students: Families can access online activities, tutorials and advocacy resources to support learning at home.
- For Policymakers: State and local leaders are provided with clear data and recommendations to expand computer science programs across their regions.
- For Educators: Free training videos, guides and teaching materials make it easier for teachers to bring computer science into their classrooms.
These resources are helping create pathways for millions of students to explore technology and build foundational skills for future careers in STEM and AI.
Smith’s Support For Computer Science Education
Smith has been a steadfast advocate for creating opportunities that enable students to succeed in the digital economy. Through his philanthropic initiatives, he has supported programs that open doors to STEM careers for communities that lack access. One of these programs is internXL, a platform that connects talented students with paid internships at leading companies.
Serving as a bridge between education and employment, internXL gives students real-world experiences in technology and other in-demand fields. Internships provide critical opportunities to apply classroom learning to professional environments while building networks that support long-term career growth. And there are other ways that the organization is helping prepare students for careers in tech: internXL’s partnership with FYI, an innovative AI platform, is one example of how students can learn, network and collaborate with each other to exchange innovative ideas.
Strengthening STEM Education
Initiatives like Code.org and internXL spark interest in computer science and ensure students have what they need to enter the workforce. This ultimately helps to strengthen the STEM pipeline and build the next generation of leaders in technology and innovation.
As technology continues to shape the way we live and work, ensuring access to STEM education and career development will remain a critical investment for our future economic growth and prosperity.
To learn more about the organizations advancing STEM education today, consider subscribing to Smith’s YouTube and following him on LinkedIn.