Murphy administration announces awarding of over $1.3M in grants to continue support of computer science programs in New Jersey schools
NEW JERSEY — Governor Phil Murphy and Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer on Tuesday announced over $1.3 million in funding for two grants aimed at expanding computer science education in New Jersey schools.
The initiatives—Expanding Access to Computer Science High School Courses and Expanding Computer Science Professional Learning—will support both the creation of new high school courses and enhanced professional development for teachers.
The Expanding Access to Computer Science High School Courses grant will assist 12 school districts in launching new, high-quality computer science courses at the high school level. Meanwhile, the Expanding Computer Science Professional Learning grant will fund three Computer Science Hubs for educator training, operated by institutions of higher education.
“Expanding access to computer science education is critical to preparing New Jersey’s students for the careers of the future,” said Governor Murphy. “With these grants, we are ensuring that more schools can offer high-quality computer science courses and that our educators receive the training they need to prepare and inspire the next generation of innovators. By continuing to invest in these programs, we are strengthening our workforce, driving economic growth, and reinforcing New Jersey’s leadership in technology and innovation.”
“The New Jersey Department of Education’s Computer Science for All State Plan, introduced six years ago, provides the foundation for these growing opportunities,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “As crucial skills continue to evolve because of technology, expanding access to computer science courses ensures that more students are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing workforce. These grants represent our continued commitment to providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in high-demand, innovative careers.”
According to the 2024 State of Computer Science Education report by Code.org, over 86% of New Jersey high schools currently offer computer science courses—up from 59% in 2017–2018. By comparison, the national average is 60%.
Expanding Access to Computer Science High School Courses
This grant enables schools to establish advanced computer science courses such as College Board-approved Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and courses eligible for college credit.
In a prior round, the grant funded courses like AI and Human Interaction, eSports and Cybersecurity, and multiple AP Computer Science offerings.
Additionally, grantees will host outreach events for elementary and middle school students—particularly those traditionally underrepresented in the field. High school students enrolled in the new courses will share their experiences and serve as near-peer role models.
The new courses must align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Computer Science (NJSLS-CS) and be available for student enrollment starting in the 2026–2027 school year.
Expanding Access to Computer Science High School Courses Grant Awards:
- Northern: Wayne Township $41,500
- Northern: Emerson $41,500
- Northern: Hoboken $41,497
- Northern: Morris Hills Regional $41,500
- Northern: Pompton Lakes $41,000
- Central: Wall Township $41,495
- Central: Somerville Borough $41,357
- Central; Union Township $40,500
- Central: Keyport $41,498
- Southern: Eastern Camden County Regional $40,115
- Southern: Burlington City $41,500
- Southern: Barnegat Township $39,941
Total Project Allocation $493,403
The Department is currently working to redistribute remaining funds to these awardees.
Expanding Computer Science Professional Learning
This grant will establish three regional Computer Science Learning Hubs to provide professional learning for teachers and school administrators. The program aims to increase the number of high-quality educators from diverse backgrounds available to teach computer science, provide professional learning opportunities and resources to school districts, and expand equitable access to computer science for all students. The programming offered by the Hubs created by the institutions of higher education will be open to the school districts and charter schools that receive grant funding to implement Computer Science courses in their high schools.
Expanding Computer Science Professional Learning Awards:
- Northern Montclair State University $280,000
- Central College of New Jersey $280,000
- Southern Stockton University $280,000
Total Project Allocation $840,000
Seven Years of Computer Science Innovation
- Since taking office, the Murphy Administration has invested over $9 million in initiatives to advance computer science education in New Jersey. These investments have supported the creation of six Computer Science Learning Hubs and expanded course offerings across more than 50 school districts and charter schools.
- Fiscal Year 2019: $2 million allocated to the Advanced Computer Science Grant Program, funding the implementation of higher-level computer science coursework in 22 schools.
- Fiscal Year 2021: $800,000 in grants awarded to establish Computer Science Learning Hubs at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Kean University, and Rutgers University–New Brunswick.
- Fiscal Year 2022: $2 million dedicated to grants supporting schools as they implemented the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Computer Science. Grants were awarded to Fairleigh Dickinson University, Montclair State University, Stockton University, and The College of New Jersey.
- Fiscal Year 2023: $2 million provided to continue two grant programs funded in FY2022.
- Fiscal Year 2024: $2 million used to fund the implementation of new computer science classes in 27 high schools, and to support three higher education Computer Science Hubs at Montclair State University, Stockton University, and The College of New Jersey.
- Fiscal Year 2025: $1.6 million included for the K–12 Computer Science Initiative, which encompasses the $1.3 million in new grants announced today, along with $750,000 for Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Education Grants.
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: Includes $1 million for a newly merged K–12 Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Education Initiative.
