HEF Announces Fueling Future Minds Special Project
This year’s Royal Bash is March 2, 2024, at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley and HEF is raising funds for a district-wide project called Fueling Future Minds, focused on computer science, coding and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative, which will benefit all Hopkins students, includes partnerships with local technology companies to enhance Hopkins students’ skills so they can solve problems and do community-based research to prepare them to answer society’s big questions.
Listen to Hopkins teachers & staff share their passion for our special project, Fueling Future Minds: Computer Science, Coding & AI.
Our goal is to help Hopkins schools launch a computer science program to prepare our students for the future and make Hopkins a leader in teaching students computer science skills from early education to graduation. “Our students will need to have a strong foundation in computer science, coding and AI, which is increasingly part of every career. They also need to understand how to analyze data to be well-informed citizens. With our special project, Hopkins Public Schools can provide the resources and staff to make that happen,” says Hopkins Education Foundation Executive Director Emily Wallace-Jackson.
A growing number of jobs and opportunities require strong technology and computer science skills, and the job market for these skills is booming. This initiative will help Hopkins cultivate critical thinkers and informed citizens who can navigate and contribute to a data-driven society with wisdom and integrity.
“In an ever-evolving world where artificial intelligence is not just a concept but a reality shaping our everyday lives, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. By supporting our initiative to bring computer science to all students in Hopkins schools, you’re not just investing in education, you’re nurturing future leaders and responsible citizens of our world,” says Carol Tracy, library media specialist, VirtualEDU.
To support Fueling Future Minds, community members can attend Royal Bash, become virtual silent auction bidders (free registration), donate to the project directly or buy raffle tickets.
Project Components
At the District level
Hopkins will hire a staff person dedicated to developing a computer science pathway and experiences for all K-12 students
Elementary schools
Hands-on experiential coding tools/robots (Bee-Bots, Kibo)
Imagination & Computer Science Fair
Middle schools
International Baccalaureate (IB) 6th and 7th grade “Design” classes and 8th grade Community Project will expand computer science skills and tools
Hands-on coding tools (Raspberry Pi)
High school
Expand course offerings for computer science and in invest in partnerships & internships with local technology companies
Raspberry Pi coding and AI racing robotics club
