By Linda Barney, Barney and Associates
Impact of Computer Science Education
According to the 2023 Oregon Computer Science Education Statewide Implementation Plan, every Oregon student deserves the opportunity to learn computer science and critical thinking. The study of computer science supports developing collaboration and interdisciplinary skills and opens doors both to higher education and to high-wage, high-demand careers. However, disparities exist in access to computer science education particularly among female-identifying students, rural students, students of color, students with disabilities, and multilingual students. Oregon needs funding to help provide K-12 computer science education to all students across the state.
Stoel Rives Supports K-12 Computer Science Education in Oregon
The Stoel Rives law firm has operated in Oregon for more than 100 years. The firm was voted the “Most Admired Company” in the law category for 20 consecutive years. As part of their commitment to supporting important causes in Oregon, Stoel Rives answered the call to provide funding for K-12 computer science education in Oregon through generous donations in the past several years to TechStart programs. “Computer science education is critical to the preparation of our students for success in the workforce and to the economic health of our state. We are proud to partner with TechStart in advancing computer science education statewide,” states Steven Boender, TechStart board member and Partner with Stoel Rives.
Introducing TechStart
TechStart provides annual awards to K-12 computer science teachers and students.
Teacher of the Year Awards
TechStart provides annual awards to three outstanding K-12 Oregon and SW Washington computer science teachers including:
K-8 Technology Teacher of the Year
High School Technology Teacher of the Year
Technology Teacher Rising Star – Any Grade Level (K-12)
Each teacher receives a cash award of $1,000 for their classroom to spend on tech education materials including hardware, software, services, or curriculum. Click here to see the TechStart 2024 Teacher of the Year award winners.
Sixth grade teacher Jacob Niebergall of Sunset School in Coos Bay, Oregon, was awarded the TechStart 2024 Technology Teacher of the Year for grades K-8.
Student of the Year Awards
TechStart recognizes a Student of the Year among high school juniors and seniors. In 2025, two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded, one to a Boy and Girl winner that can be applied to educational expenses and associated costs. In 2024, Dwayne Wallace from Warrenton High School was awarded the TechStart Student of the Year Award.
In addition to annual awards, TechStart also supports K-12 computer science teacher training programs. TechStart members are actively involved in extracurricular student programs in software development, game design, robotics, tech career exploration as well as in-class and after-school K-12 computer science learning activities.
Stoel Rives Generous Donation Aids K-12 Computer Science Education
“TechStart thanks Stoel Rives for their generous donations in 2024 and 2025 for TechStart K-12 computer science education programs. We encourage other organizations or individuals to volunteer for TechStart or to support K-12 computer science education with a donation,” states Peter Steinfeld, TechStart Executive Director. Click here to see more information on how to donate or volunteer.