Expanding Computer Science Access at PLHS: Pathway Summary

Over the past several years, the district has built a comprehensive K-12 computer science pathway, supported by four State grants totaling $151,826.

Foundation: Advanced Computer Science Competitive Grant (2019-2020). This initial grant launched the pathway by allowing the district to offer AP Computer Science A. It also funded teacher training in CodeHS, AP exam grants to reduce cost barriers for students, and summer enrichment opportunities.

Expansion: CS High School Courses Grant (2024-2025).

Building on that foundation, this grant enabled the addition of AP Computer Science Principles with JavaScript, which is open to students in Grade 9-12. Pompton Lakes is the only district in Passaic County that offers this course to Freshmen.

The district purchased VEX Robotics kits and a 3D printer with a generous supply of filament so students could take part in hands-on, project-based learning. A new summer CS enrichment program for students in grades 6-8 also created an early entry point into the pathway.

Growth: Access Computer Science Grants I & II (2025-2027). The two Access Computer Science grants allowed the pathway to grow into emerging, high-demand fields, adding courses in AI & Machine Learning and Cybersecurity. In its first year, the Cybersecurity course ran two full sections, reflecting strong student interest.

Community and Industry Engagement. To connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities, PLHS hosted a Girls Who Code Hour of Code, a visit from Google, and a Cybersecurity guest speaker. The district also hired a new CS teacher with industry experience, bringing current professional perspective into the classroom.

Recognition. The PLHS Girls Who Code club has been recognized for expanding access to computer science for women.

Together, these efforts have grown a single AP course into a full pathway that serves students from middle school through graduation, with opportunities in programming, robotics, AI, and cybersecurity.