Bob Jones AFROTC pioneers, attends computer initiative in Alexandria

MADISON – Cadets in Air Force JROTC at Bob Jones High School have been selected for an initiative to promote computer science. The Madison cadets were invited to attend the Computer Science for All Summit or CSforALL in Alexandria, Va. on Feb. 26-28.

Bob Jones Air Force JROTC has been selected as one of 30 schools to pilot the new initiative to prepare the next generation of work in computer science and cybersecurity. These 30 participating schools serve 4,000 JROTC cadets and 55,000 students overall.

Delegates and cadets across the United States are involved with CSforALL as a public-private partnership aimed at building a scalable model to provide evidence-based computer science and cybersecurity education access.

Dr. Melissa M. Lacey, who works as Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Bob Jones, coordinated the trip to Alexandria. Lacey has served as a Major in the U.S. Air Force. Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert, along with the school’s computer science instructor, CTE representative and an assistant principal, also attended the symposium.

At the project’s kickoff in Alexandria, cadets from Bob Jones and the 29 other schools came together to connect and learn during the two-day workshop. The Madison students visited with Alabama senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill while in Washington D.C. While meeting with elected officials, the cadets and their school chaperones shared the importance of computer science education for all students.

As a JROTC-CS Demonstration Project school, Bob Jones will receive professional development training for teachers. In addition, students will have options to pursue internships, mentoring and scholarship opportunities.

“We’re proud to be participating in this new initiative,” Lacey said. “As educators, we are committed to preparing all of our students for future careers and success. We know technology skills will be critical, no matter what path our students choose.”

“We appreciate Bob Jones’ commitment and service to the wider education community,” CSforALL spokesperson Ruthe Farmer said.

For more information, visit csforall.org/projects_and_programs/jrotc.