WHEREAS, Virginia is proud of its legacy as the first state in the nation to mandate K-12 computer science standards, computational thinking, and coding as essential literacies for all students; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s 2024 K-12 Computer Science Standards of Learning are among the first in the nation to embed artificial intelligence literacy, ensuring students are prepared to be responsible consumers, innovative creators, and engaged citizens; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Education affirms the importance of foundational computer science concepts in grades K-8, integrates them across core disciplines, and continues to expand pathways for secondary students, underscoring the critical role of computer science education in equipping learners with disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and adaptability to thrive throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the regional partnerships, expanded work-based learning, and post-secondary and secondary partnerships to expand professional development, high-quality instructional resources, project-based learning opportunities, and advanced learning opportunities for educators and students across the Commonwealth through the Advancing Computer Science Education grant; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to computer science education by ensuring all students have meaningful access to opportunities, as reflected in the Computing in the Commonwealth Dashboard, which identifies pathways and opportunities for secondary students; and

WHEREAS, preparing a workforce to support the Commonwealth requires access to high-quality education in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, achieved through collaborative and coordinated efforts across education, business, and community partners; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia has developed Lab Schools to harness partnerships with industry, higher education, and K-12, with some models aimed at increasing exposure and experience in applied computer science outside of school walls; and

WHEREAS, Computer Science Education Week officially starts the nomination window for the 2025-2026 Computer Science Educator of the Year (CSEOY) award, during which parents, students, and educators can nominate educators across the Commonwealth for their contribution and commitment to computer science education; and

WHEREAS, Computer Science Week in Virginia will highlight the Virginia Department of Education’s partnership with CodeVA through the Computer Science Digital Summit, supporting educator professional learning and advancing the vision of CS Ready Schools across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the week of December 9 is designated as Computer Science Education Week in honor of Grace Hopper, the pioneering American computer scientist, mathematician, and United States Navy Rear Admiral, whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern computing; and

WHEREAS, during Computer Science Education Week, all students, educators, schools, and communities are encouraged to join in celebrating and engaging in learning activities that implement computer science;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize December 8–12, 2025, as COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.