Graphic collage of students at the summer discovery program holding tech items and classroom participation.

As Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) celebrates Computer Science Education Week, the school division proudly highlights its commitment to making computer science opportunities accessible for all learners through engaging programs and grant-funded initiatives. This celebration builds on the momentum of this past summer’s efforts, which brought exciting new opportunities to the school division.

In January 2025, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) awarded PWCS a $75,000 grant that helped launch a series of summer discovery enrichment programs which included: 

  • Bits and Bytes Bootcamp for Code Creators
  • Digital Discovery for Future Innovators
  • Future Fabricators: An Introduction to 3D Printing
  • Mission to Mars: Launching Thriving Futures in Aerospace

“The summer enrichment programs offered by Career and Technical Education (CTE) empower students to explore real-world skills, discover what they love, and build confidence for future success,” said Jasmine Hawkins, administrative intern at The Nokesville School, who served as principal for the 2025 Summer Discover Enrichment Program. “By shaping programs around computer science, students gain critical problem-solving abilities and digital literacy, which can open doors to innovation and high-demand careers,” she added.

The energy and enthusiasm during these programs showed how much students and teachers enjoyed exploring computer science in a practical, engaging way.

Building on this success, PWCS is ready to take computer science to new heights by introducing drone programming in 2026.

The VDOE recently awarded PWCS another Advancing Computer Science Education (ACSE) $75,000 grant for a new initiative titled “Launching Thriving Futures: Student Enrichment Through Aerial Programming.” The project will be implemented during the 2025-26 school year, with an expected start at the beginning of the third quarter.

“Student and family feedback about the Summer Discovery Enrichment Programs has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Christine Good, supervisor of CTE. “The goal this year is to meet students where they are by integrating drone programming in seven middle school CTE classrooms.”

The seven middle schools include: Beville, Fred Lynn, Graham Park, Hampton, Potomac, Rippon, and Unity Braxton.

Once the program is established, seventh-grade students enrolled in technology and engineering education courses at participating schools will attend six weeks of drone programming workshops. CTE teachers will also receive training to integrate emerging technologies into their lessons. This approach builds student interest in computer science electives while strengthening teachers’ capacity to deliver engaging, technology-enhanced instruction aligned with Virginia’s Computer Science Standards of Learning.

“Using drones combines learning and fun to make computer science and emerging technologies both accessible and engaging,” Good stated. “We want to ensure that all learners have the chance to build knowledge and skills through authentic and hands-on learning experiences that can open doors to future opportunities and a world of possibilities.”

With drone kits, easy-to-follow curriculum, and support provided by industry partner STEAMBridge, this project reinforces PWCS’ efforts to expand access to computational thinking skills and computer science education in innovative and meaningful ways.

STEAMBridge is a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business that is passionate about providing the environment, curriculum, and framework to help students develop the skills, mindset, aptitude, and ability to solve complex problems and think innovatively. STEAMBridge offers Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM)-focused, experiential learning workshops designed to equip students with the critical skills to be workforce-ready.