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Empowering K-12 educators with free, open-source content and
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"AI unlocks massive demand for developers across every industry, not just tech. Healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and finance all start embedding software and automation. Rather than replacing developers, AI becomes a force multiplier that spreads development work into domains that never employed coders. We’d see more entry-level roles, just different ones: “AI-native” developers who quickly build automations and integrations for specific niches." Spotlight on AlaskaCITC + LYSD CollaborationEvery Friday this fall, the Denełchin Fab Lab came alive as high school students from the Lower Yukon School District filled the space. Laser cutters hummed, wood shavings drifted through the air, and 3D printers clicked away as teens shaped dance fans, printed story knives, sketched moccasin patterns, and brought high-tech iterations of their cultural designs to life. The space buzzed with energy as students moved between computers and carving benches, turning ancestral technologies into tangible creations using the Fab Lab’s state-of-the-art equipment. 
Share What's Happening in Your Community!We want to shine a light on the exciting computer science and digital literacy initiatives happening across Alaska. Are your students building an innovative app? Is your school hosting a coding event, or are you integrating new technology in the classroom? Let us know what's happening in your corner of the state, and you could be featured in a future newsletter. Curriculum CornerHow We Teach Machines (Ages 5–7)
In this hands-on unit, students sort, predict, and explore patterns to discover how machines use data and step-by-step instructions to do work. Students first learn that machines are tools made by people to help do work or solve problems. They then explore how machines “learn” by looking at information (data), finding patterns, and following clear steps (algorithms). ExCITE II Cohort - AP Computer Science
Project ExCITE is a NSF-funded partnership between the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), Hofstra University and North Carolina State University to develop a professional development program to help prepare the nation’s high school Technology and Engineering teachers to teach a College Board Advanced Placement level one-year Computer Science Principles (AP-CSP) course. The 2026-2027 cohort is open for applications and is open to technology/engineering educators: teachers who teach CAD, Robotics, Woods Shop, 3D Printing, etc. The goal of the grant is to research how Technology Education students respond to computer science. Interactive Resource DatabaseWant to explore more resources, lessons, and curriculum related to AI, CS, and Digital Literacy? Check out this interactive database of curated resources aligned to grade levels, subject areas and resource types. Upcoming EventsUAF Arctic Innovation Competition
The UAF Arctic Innovation Competition invites young innovators to submit ideas that solve problems, resolve unmet needs, or improve existing products. The competition features two youth divisions: the Cub Division (ages 12 and under) with a $500 first-place prize, and the JR Division (ages 13-17) with a $1,000 first-place prize. Winners from both divisions will also share nearly $18,000 in additional cash prizes and Alaska 529 educational savings awards sponsored by Kinross Alaska. No prototype or business plan is required to enter, though they are recommended. Multiple ideas may be submitted by individuals or teams, and submissions can be edited up until the final deadline. Submission Deadline: Friday, February 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM AKST G4C Student Challenge | International Game Design Competition
The G4C Student Challenge, is an international game design competition that invites youth to create social impact games as well as original artwork. The program develops coding and digital design skills, problem solving, collaboration, creativity, and other critical skills to prepare young people for jobs in the gaming and technology sectors. The Challenge is also a platform for amplifying student voices, empowering young people to imagine creative solutions to social problems, and to see themselves as engaged citizens and changemakers. Deadline to submit is March 30, 2026 Swift Student Challenge - Submissions Open February 6, 2026
Get ready! Submissions for the Swift Student Challenge will be open February 6–28, 2026. This challenge offers students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and app development skills. Students can use iOS/MacOS devices to participate. Learn how to get ready for the Swift Student Challenge Submission period: February 6–28, 2026 Upcoming Webinars
T3 Alaska Summer Programs - Applications Open
T3 Alaska offers two immersive, residential summer programs for 2026: Energy, Storytelling & Cybersecurity (May 25–June 5) and Introduction to T3 Alaska (June 8–19). Both 12-day programs blend growth mindset, design thinking, hands-on technology, and community-based projects—giving students the chance to explore career pathways, build real-world skills, connect with community partners, and earn UAF T3 badge certifications. Application Window: January 5 - March 1, 2026 News & OpportunitiesGirls Who Code 2026 Pathways ApplicationGirls Who Code Pathways is a free, seven-week online learning program running from June 29 through August 14, 2026. High school girls and non-binary students of all experience levels can learn coding at their own pace while exploring five tracks: Data Science + AI, Game Design, Web Development, Cybersecurity, and AI + Society. Beyond coding, students gain real-world insights through virtual Partner Events with leading tech organizations, connect with peers through a private Discord community, and join optional Student Hours for live support. Returning participants from 2025 will find new courses, virtual events, and previously missed coursework available this summer.
Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary students (including rising 9th graders and graduating seniors) Coolest Projects 2026 Global Showcase
The Coolest Projects 2026 global online showcase is now open for entries! Young people up to age 18 can sign up to share their digital tech creations with the world. This celebration of creativity welcomes projects in coding, hardware, web development, games, mobile apps, and more. In addition to the global online showcase, in-person events are available in the USA, Ireland, Belgium, and the UK. Professional DevelopmentTech Tuesdays: CS & AI Office Hours
Curious about Artificial Intelligence? Navigating Computer Science or Digital Literacy standards? Or just want to brainstorm ideas for your classroom? Join Anthony White (AKDEED) for informal drop-in office hours every Tuesday in January and February. This is an open space for Alaska educators and administrators to ask questions, share challenges, or just listen in on the conversation regarding Computer Science, AI, and Digital Literacy. Can’t make this time? No problem. Book a 1:1 meeting that fits your schedule here.
When: Tuesdays, January 6 - February 24, 2026 ASTE 2026 Conference - Registration Now Open!
The Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) is excited to share that registration is now open for ASTE 2026, taking place February 14–16 in Anchorage. ASTE is Alaska’s only statewide ed-tech conference and offers valuable professional learning for K-12 educators, administrators, and program leaders focused on technology integration, digital skills, AI literacy, and career-connected learning.
✉️ anthony.white@alaska.gov This newsletter is an initiative of the Division of Innovation & Education Excellence. We feature free, open-source resources. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive information on K-12 computer science and digital literacy. |