The second computer science endorsement cohort at Northwest College is now open to local K-12 educators who wish to integrate computer science into their curricula. 

It follows Gov. Mark Gordon’s statewide initiative, Wyoming Innovation Network (WIN), which calls for closer collaboration between the University of Wyoming and the state’s community colleges; the effort emphasizes developing innovative solutions to support and enhance Wyoming’s economy and workforce. 

“WIN has provided direction for NWC to create professional development opportunities for area K-12 faculty to gain credentials in computer science and computational thinking,” said NWC Professor of Engineering and Mathematics Astrid Northrup.

The five courses required to receive the endorsement through NWC are: Introduction to Computer Science; Computer Science I; Social Media for K-12 Teachers; Application Development; and Robotics.

Students can begin the endorsement by taking Intro to Computer Science and/or Social Media for K-12 Teachers, which starts at NWC Monday, June 14. They can also get started with a one-day Robotics lab on Saturday, May 29. 

The first cohort of local K-12 teachers will soon graduate with their endorsement from NWC to teach computer science in their classrooms. They include Katie Berry, Andrew Borcher, Denise Catlin, Jeana Croft, Brandi Dearcorn, Steven Durtsche, Jeffery Greaham, Necole Hanks, Tracy McArthur, Michelle Mullins, Scott Schaffer, Elisabeth White, Wilmer Zollman and Northrup herself.

“I’m so proud of this group of people,” Northrup said. “They are all education professionals from all different fields and levels.”

K-12 professionals interested in joining the second cohort can contact Northrup at Astrid.Northrup@nwc.edu or 307-754-6066.