Chicago Pilot Aims to Enhance STEM Education

In an effort to better prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Chicago has launched a pilot program that will offer Web development courses at local high schools and city colleges.

Chicago Public Schools, the City Colleges of Chicago and local startup The Starter League will work together on the pilot, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on Monday, Jan. 28. The Starter League — formerly called Code Academy — teaches beginners how to code, design and ship Web applications. The league will craft a training program for educators, and work with the schools and colleges to design Web development courses for students. This summer, 10 teachers from Chicago Public Schools and six from the City Colleges of Chicago will go through training. In fall 2013, these teachers will then lead Web development courses for students at five Early College STEM high schools, the Technology Magnet Cluster high schools and the City Colleges.