Arkansas Tech University has been selected as a host location for the 2022 Arkansas Computer Science and Computing Educator Academy (ACSCEA).
The program, which is overseen by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Office of Computer Science, will provide up to 60 Arkansas residents who are employed by an Arkansas public school district or intend to teach within an Arkansas public school district and have a letter of support from a superintendent of an Arkansas public school district with tuition-free access to up to 18 credit hours of graduate study at ATU.
The program is made possible by a $566,646 grant from ADE to Arkansas Tech.
Individuals who are new to ACSCEA and are interested in applying for the 2022 program may do so at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSCEAApp22.
This will be the second consecutive year ATU has served as a host location. Members of the 2021 cohort interested in completing 12 additional graduate hours of computer science or related credits at ATU beginning this summer may also apply at the link above.
According to information provided by ADE, program completers will learn basic computer science, receive preparation for passing the Computer Science Content Knowledge Praxis exam, gain approval to teach high school computer science courses, earn up to 18 postsecondary graduate-level credits in computer science and expand skills in specialized areas aligned to state-adopted programs of study.
Grant funds from ADE will cover the costs of enrollment and tuition for all participants.
The first two weeks of ACSCEA 2022 at Arkansas Tech are scheduled for June 13-17 and June 20-24 on the ATU campus in Russellville with advanced training options offered from June 27-July 29.
Those who successfully complete all ADE and ATU requirements during the academy will receive credit for two ATU graduate-level courses: Introduction to Information Technology and Systems (INFT 5403) and Emerging Trends (INFT 6903).
Participants are eligible to advance and earn 12 additional hours of graduate credit by completing the following ATU courses: Developing and Administering Web Sites (INFT 5303); Database Systems (INFT 5203); Computer Networks (INFT 5703); and Emerging Trends (INFT 6903).
The 18 possible credit hours through ACSCEA at Arkansas Tech are aligned with the 30-hour ATU Master of Science degree in information technology. The degree is offered by the ATU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences under the auspices of the ATU Department of Computer and Information Science.
Only coursework and courses completed by Dec. 31, 2023, will be eligible to be paid for by this program.
Beyond their ACSCEA experience and funding, those who complete the ACSCEA program at ATU have the option to complete the additional 12 hours in the degree program on their own.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome this program back to Arkansas Tech University for summer 2022,” said Sarah Burnett, who serves as director of STEM outreach in the ATU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and will be the project coordinator for ACSCEA 2022. “ATU has the curriculum, faculty and facilities necessary to provide those who wish to enhance their knowledge of computer science education with an excellent experience.”
Participants with a graduate degree and a minimum of 18 hours in their content area have the ability to offer concurrent credit at the high school level.
“We hope to partner with some of these educators, and their districts, to eventually offer concurrent credit to more high school students across the state,” said Burnett.
In accordance with provisions in the ADE grant, candidate selection may be prioritized based on regional needs and for districts that are classified as high poverty.
Please contact CSforAR@ade.arkansas.gov or sburnett6@atu.edu for more information.
