Governor Doug Ducey made his first official trip to the Navajo Nation, where he met with tribal leaders, elected officials and members of the education community last week. As part of his visit, the governor hosted a bill signing for S.B. 1332 – legislation passed earlier this year that expands Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) to children living on Native American reservations.
The governor was joined by Arizona State Senator Carlyle Begay. Senator John McCain was on hand and was chased off the site by protestors.
According to KPNX-TV protesters held signs that read ”McCain = Indian Killer” and “McCain’s Not Welcome Here” as they stood outside the museum.
The Code Writers Education Initiative, a partnership with the Navajo Nation, the State of Arizona, Intel, Science Foundation Arizona, Arizona STEM Network and others, will bring together business, philanthropy, education and government leaders to create a technology-based education for Arizona’s Native Americans.
“Arizona has the third-highest Native American population in the country, so as companies look to expand and diversify their workforce to reflect community demographics, we want them to look to Arizona first,” said Governor Ducey. “This great initiative helps Native American students by giving them the training and computer programming skills they need to pursue technology-based careers, and it also helps companies as they continue to build a diverse and talented workforce. I want to thank Senator Begay for his work on this program, as well as all the partners joining forces to empower all Native American students with new education and training opportunities.”
Goals of the Code Writers Education Initiative include:
● Introduce computer code writing curriculum from kindergarten through high school and community college;
● Deliver a comprehensive education to Native Americans that will prepare the students for the global economy;
● Certify Native Americans in computer code writing and place graduates with commercial firms
● Train teachers and administrators in a technology-based curriculum;
● Install broadband and audio/video equipment at key delivery points to maximize the number of program participants;
● Utilize programs in entertainment technology computer code writing, robotics, nanotechnology and others to motivate students throughout their schooling;
● Increase standardized test scores and graduation rates.