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"...96% of the commercial code bases they sampled contained open source software, and 77% of the code within those code bases was open source."

— Katherine Druckman, The Careful Consumption of Open Source Software

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The Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN) is offering free professional development workshops to help educators integrate Code.org's curriculum into their classrooms. All of the following virtual workshops are free and have no prerequisites unless otherwise noted. You can register for any of them here.

CS Connections: Connecting Computer Science to Classroom Content

• September 16, 2025 (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
• Discover how to link computer science concepts to other subjects.

Digital Citizenship: Navigating the Digital World Safely and Responsibly

• October 7, 2025 (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
• A workshop focused on teaching students about digital citizenship.

Micro:bit Makers: Code, Create, Connect

• October 25, 2025 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
• A hands-on workshop using Micro:bit devices.

Teaching Apps with Devices: Computer Science Discoveries, Unit 6

• October 25, 2025 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
• Learn to teach app development using devices.

Bringing AI to the Elementary Classroom with Code.org

• November 6, 2025 (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
• Explore how to introduce AI concepts to elementary students using Code.org.

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UAF STEM Education Fellowships (Due Sept. 15)

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is offering STEM Education Fellowships for future K–12 educators. Applicants will develop either a STEM unit plan or five integrated lesson plans inspired by NASA missions and connected to Alaska-based examples. Selected fellows receive a $2,500 stipend, and completed materials will be published on the Alaska Space Grant Program website.

Applications are due September 15, 2025, and require a 3-page proposal.
More information and application details can be found here.

Presidential AI Challenge

This national competition invites students, educators, and non-profits to develop innovative AI-powered solutions for pressing social issues. Participants can submit an AI model to tackle a specific real-world problem and compete for prestigious awards, including a Presidential citation and prize money.

Learn more about the challenge or review the Presidential AI Challenge Guidebook.

Provide Feedback for the 2027 National Survey of STEM Education

Horizon Research, Inc. (HRI) is developing the 2027 National Survey of Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering Education. They are recruiting high school computer science teachers to provide feedback on new items. Teachers who participate in this feedback study will receive a $40 honorarium. Learn more about and/or register for the study.

If you have questions or wish to participate, please contact HRI at nssme27@horizon-research.com.

Digital Promise’s Building Global Apps

Connect your high school classroom with students in Lebanon through the Building Global Apps virtual exchange program. This 8-10 week program for the Fall 2025 cohort guides students to collaborate, use design thinking, and build mobile apps that address local and global challenges.

Learn more and apply to join the Fall 2025 cohort.

The Ciena Solutions Challenge

The Ciena Solutions Challenge is a global design challenge inviting middle and high school students to design solutions for real-world problems. Educators can submit student projects through March 5, 2026, and apply for a $3,000 grant to sustain and scale the work.

Learn more about the challenge here.

Governor to Highlight Alaska as a Future Data Center Hub

At the upcoming Data Center World Power 2025 conference, Governor Mike Dunleavy will deliver a keynote on Alaska's strategic vision to become a hub for sustainable, AI-ready data center development. The presentation will focus on the state's unique advantages, including its climate for natural cooling, energy resources, and geographic security.

This focus on building a local tech ecosystem could create significant opportunities for CTE computer science programs, helping prepare students for future high-demand careers right here in Alaska.

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. Click the button below to share your story.

Submit Your Spotlight

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Real-World Career Connections

ProjectSTEM's "Real-World Career Connections" is a free resource for grades 6-12 designed to connect students with over 400 STEM career opportunities. In less than 30 minutes, students can explore careers in App Development, AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and more, making it a perfect activity for a single class period.

Explore STEM career connections here.

AI Literacy Lessons from Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers a free collection of AI Literacy Lessons for grades 6-12. These flexible activities and lesson plans are designed to enhance students' understanding of artificial intelligence and digital literacy. The lessons, which can be completed in a single class period or extended over multiple days, equip students with critical skills for navigating our technology-driven world.

Explore the AI Literacy Lessons here.

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✉️anthony.white@alaska.gov
🌐AKDEED CompSci

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