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IU first lady to help host free computer science training for K-12 teachers in summer 2018

Dec 5, 2017
The Sample Gates at IU Bloomington

Inspired by the success of past funding initiatives to train thousands of public school teachers, Infosys Foundation USA and Indiana University first lady Laurie Burns McRobbie will host the Pathfinders Summer Institute 2018, a national event for K-12 teacher education in computer science and making.

The institute, tagged #InfyPathfinders, will be an intensive week of professional development at IU Bloomington taking place July 15-20, 2018. More than 800 teachers from across the United States will convene for high-quality, hands-on training.

“As Indiana’s flagship public university, we embrace the challenge of employing our resources to inspire lifelong learning and excellence in teaching,” McRobbie said. “We are delighted to offer the IU Bloomington campus as a venue for Infosys Foundation USA’s inaugural Pathfinders Summer Institute, which will enable over 800 teachers to benefit from superior professional development in computer science and maker education. The teachers will gain valuable insights and tools that they can take back to classrooms both in Indiana and across the nation.”

All tuition, travel, accommodation and food expenses for teacher participants will be paid by other sources. Funds from Infosys Foundation USA will be matched by school districts and by individual donations through education crowdfunding leader DonorsChoose.org to make it possible for teachers to attend the Pathfinders Summer Institute at no cost.

“An inspired teacher will be one of the most influential guides for children to discover their own unique paths. And a teacher will influence hundreds, if not thousands, of children over the course of her or his teaching career,” said Kaustav Mitra, chairperson of Infosys Foundation USA. “We are honored to host the Pathfinders Summer Institute to both celebrate teachers and get them the resources they need to be even more effective in helping students navigate this world.”

Formal applications for Infosys Foundation USA Pathfinders Summer Institute 2018 will open in January. All K-12 public school teachers are welcome to apply. Special consideration will be given to high-needs schools, teachers from underrepresented communities, those new to teaching computer science and making, and districts demonstrating significant commitment to these subjects.

Interested teachers and school administrators can find out more at infy.com/Pathfinders.

About Infosys Foundation USA

Infosys Foundation USA is focused on bridging the digital divide in America by supporting high-quality computer science education and coding skills with a particular focus on underrepresented communities. It aims to give children and young adults the skills they need to become creators, not just consumers, of technology. Learn more on the foundation’s website, follow @InfyFoundation on Twitter or check it out on Facebook.

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