Ivanka Trump Joins Tech Firms in Detroit to Push for More Computer Training
Ivanka Trump, Amazon, Lockheed Martin officials say tech training key for U.S. jobs, announce funding at Detroit event.
A group of private tech companies say they will join with the Trump Administration to spend a combined half-a-billion dollars to improve computer science training in the U.S.
The group announced the move in Detroit.
President Trump’s proposed 2018 budget cuts funding for both an Education Department program and a NASA office which supports science, technology, engineering and math studies for women and minorities.
“Right now less than half of American schools have even a single computer science course. So we have to do better.” – Ivanka Trump
But this week the President told the U.S. Education Department it should direct at least $200 million a year towards STEM studies, especially computer science programs.
That’s been a priority of the President’s daughter.
Ivanka Trump told officials from tech companies gathered in Detroit that the path to new jobs in the U.S. relies on developing the computer skills of young students.
“Right now less than half of American schools have even a single computer science course,” she says. “So we have to do better. We are going to do better. And this is a giant leap forward in that direction.”
The Internet Association announced in Detroit that private companies including Amazon, Lockheed Martin and General Motors will donate a combined $300 million over five years to improve computer science programs in the nation’s schools.
Officials with Detroit-based Quicken Loans say the company will also provide funding for about 15,000 Detroit Public Schools students to receive computer training.
Company founder Dan Gilbert says many employers are searching for workers with technical ability.
Gilbert says learning those skills can help people rise out of poverty.
“It’s just such a win-win for society. Creating wealth, creating jobs and creating confidence and optimism. And so I don’t know if there’s anything better we can do than training people in technology jobs in this country right now,” Gilbert says.
The non-profit group Code.org estimates that there are over half-a-million positions open for workers with computer skills.
