Are you interested in new AP courses here at Abraham Lincoln High School? Well, you’re in luck. Lincoln is offering AP Computer Science next school year. People who have the slightest or largest computer knowledge are welcome to come and learn more then ever before.

In an email interview with math teacher Mrs. Reid, Lion Tales asked about the course and why Lincoln is adding it to the curriculum next year.

Reid replied, “By 2020, our nation needs 1.4 million computer background skilled workforce.  Colleges/universities at the rate they are going will be only able to graduate 30%. In fact, tech companies are looking  to diversify their teams with under represented groups [females and minorities] to have more solutions to their business. By doing this, we can reach our goal of filling those 1.4 million jobs. When there are more solutions that is great for business. If the U.S. wants to keep the edge on technology design, because it is here in Silicon Valley, our youth need to step it up to be globally competitive. Look at an iPhone,  it says on the back “Made in China”, designed in Cupertino, Califorina. U.S. has brains of innovating ideas, and we need to keep it up.”

As quoted from Mrs. Reid,  “AP Computer Science inherently offers the 21st century skills needed to be successful  in the the Knowledge Age (a new, advanced form of capitalism in which knowledge and ideas are the main source of economic growth). The Industrial Age is over, we are in a new age.   Think about it, technology surrounds us. Just about every teenager has an electronic device. Who makes those electronic devices, programmers/software engineers. Our school, our society, our nation, and world depends on it.  Newer cars have software and technology. Appliances have technology. Doctors and researchers use programming and technology (i.e. to model the brain, to model diseases, to collect data to prove or disprove hypothesis. Farmers use technology to lengthen growing season, make crops, production. People are also making apps for social issues too.  Retail stores have computers to make transaction. Web/Internet Companies (i.e Amazon, track inventory with their computer systems and track customer transactions), they use the data to direct their business.”

One prerequisite Mrs. Reid is requesting for this class is to have Algebra 2 finished. If you do not have this course finished, and you really want to take Computer Science, you can take Algebra 2 in the summer; WASC Accelerated is the organization that provides this. More information can be found with Mrs. Reid if you are confused or have a situation to resolve to take this A.P. Computer class.

Reid said, “More female students are welcome to come and take this rocking class! Come on ladies, don’t you want to eventually invent something with technology and be a Creator and NOT a Consumer? You can have 21st century skills that are needed for more and more job opportunities. Most Companies are wanting workers with PHD’s and computer knowledge, why not have a head start now?”

Anyone who is interested in computer science can feel free to talk to Mrs. Reid (Room 1;  email [email protected]) or Mr. Ponzio (administration office; [email protected]).