New Jersey Awards $1.3 Million in Grants to Expand Computer Science Education in Schools

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced this week the allocation of over $1.3 million in new grants aimed at broadening access to computer science education in New Jersey public schools. The awards support two key initiatives: expanding high school course offerings and enhancing professional learning opportunities for educators through regional training hubs.

“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 Expanding Access to Computer Science High School Courses grant will support 12 school districts in implementing new, high-quality computer science classes. These may include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as offerings in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. In addition to classroom instruction, grantee schools will host outreach events to introduce younger students—particularly those traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields—to computer science through mentorship and student-led demonstrations.

Awarded districts include:

• Northern Region: Wayne Township, Emerson, Hoboken, Morris Hills Regional, Pompton Lakes

• Central Region: Wall Township, Somerville Borough, Union Township, Keyport

• Southern Region: Eastern Camden County Regional, Burlington City, Barnegat Township

Each district will receive approximately $40,000 to $41,500, with the total allocation reaching $493,403. These courses must align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Computer Science (NJSLS-CS) and be ready for enrollment in the 2026–2027 school year.

In parallel, the Expanding Computer Science Professional Learning grant will fund the establishment of three Computer Science Learning Hubs at Montclair State University, The College of New Jersey, and Stockton University. Each institution will receive $280,000 to provide teacher training and administrative support aimed at increasing the number and diversity of qualified computer science educators across the state.

These Hubs will offer services to districts receiving course implementation grants, ensuring both instructional quality and equitable student access. The total allocation for professional learning is $840,000.

“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.”

This announcement continues a multi-year investment in computer science by the Murphy administration, which has committed over $9 million to related initiatives since Fiscal Year 2019. The funding has supported the creation of learning hubs, course development in more than 50 school districts and charter schools, and implementation of the NJSLS-CS.

New Jersey's sustained focus on computer science education has yielded significant growth in access. According to Code.org’s 2024 State of Computer Science Education report, over 86% of New Jersey high schools now offer computer science courses—well above the national average of 60% and a major increase from just 59% in the 2017–2018 school year.

The state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes $1.6 million for the K–12 Computer Science Initiative, including today’s $1.3 million in grants and $750,000 for an Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Education initiative. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget earmarks an additional $1 million to merge and expand both efforts into a broader K–12 Computer Science and AI Education Initiative.

This ongoing commitment reflects New Jersey’s strategy to prepare students for a tech-driven future and ensure equitable access to skills critical for 21st-century careers.

For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Support your local news!