Computer Science Education Week
Computer Science Education Week sparks excitement every December, from the 4th to the 10th in 2023. This week focuses on inspiring K-12 students to dive into computer science (CS).
Position your tech product or educational platform as an enabler of hands-on CS learning during the December push to inspire K-12 students into computer science careers.
- Build a robot, code a game: celebrate CS Education Week with [product] coding kits and tutorials
- From Scratch to Mars: how students use [platform] to explore real-world coding challenges during CSEdWeek
- Grace Hopper's legacy lives on: inspire the next generation of coders with [brand]'s free December learning resources
- VR, AR, robotics: 5 hands-on CS projects your classroom can launch this December
Notable campaigns5
- Google (2024): Announced $5 million in 2024 funding for CS education during CSEdWeek; launched CS First professional development for teachers, App Inventor Educator Collaborative, and partnerships with underrepresented communities. Also hosted 2,000+ Googlers volunteering in schools + dedicated mentorship for Indigenous students.
- Microsoft (2024–2025): Released free Hour of Code activities including MakeCode tutorials (Bubble Popping with Inside Out 2 characters, Mission to Hubble with NASA astronaut Scott Kelly), Minecraft CS Progression lessons, and free webinars for educators during CSEdWeek.
- Code.org (2013–present): Founded the 'Hour of Code' initiative in 2013 (now 'Hour of AI'); achieved 100 million+ student participants across 200,000+ events globally. Provides free, beginner-friendly coding tutorials with pop culture themes (Minecraft, Star Wars, Frozen, Marvel).
- Adafruit (2025): Committed to CS education year-round; during CSEdWeek 2025, promoted MakeCode tutorials and offered free resources via Adafruit Learning System and Educators Hub.
- Apple (2024): Shared student Swift coding projects and app prototypes during CSEdWeek 2024 through Apple Education Community; showcased Swift Student Challenge participants aged 11–17.
Campaign ideas8
- Launch an 'Hour of AI' challenge with branded tutorials using your product/platform—tie to current pop culture (e.g., Minecraft, Star Wars, Marvel themes)
- Create a week-long social media takeover by CS educators/students using your tools, showcasing their projects with #CSEdWeek hashtags
- Sponsor local hackathons, coding competitions, or school events—provide free trials/licenses and volunteer mentors from your team
- Develop a free, beginner-friendly coding course or interactive lesson module during the week; promote via LinkedIn and education communities
- Partner with underrepresented groups in tech—offer scholarships, mentorship programs, or diversity-focused coding challenges
- Host a livestream panel discussion with engineers/CS professionals from your company talking career paths and real-world applications
- Create limited-edition 'Grace Hopper tribute' branded content or merchandise; donate proceeds to CS education nonprofits
- Run a student app/project showcase campaign where users can submit their creations for featured spotlights and prizes
Social angles6
- 🚀 From Code to Career: Meet the engineers at [Brand] who started with Hour of Code. What will *you* build this #CSEdWeek? #CSPowersAI
- Grace Hopper invented the first compiler & we're honoring her legacy by making CS accessible to ALL. Join us Dec 8-14! #CSEdWeek #CelebratingProgress
- Your kids don't need to be 'tech kids' to code. They just need one hour. Try our free Hour of AI activity—no experience required! #CSEdWeek
- 💡 Problem-solvers, creators, innovators—that's you. Computer science opens doors you haven't imagined yet. Dive in this week! #CSPowersAI #CSEdWeek
- Gender gap in tech? We're closing it. [Brand] is investing in CS education for girls + underrepresented students. #CSEdWeek #WomenInTech
- AI is reshaping the world. CS Powers AI Innovation. Learn the fundamentals with our free resources & join 200K+ global Hour of Code events. #CSEdWeek
Ad copy starters5
“Start Coding in 1 Hour – No Experience Needed. Join [Brand]'s Computer Science Education Week celebration with free interactive lessons for K-12.”
“AI is the Future. CS is the Foundation. Explore how your skills shape tomorrow. Hour of AI starts Dec 8.”
“Your Daughter Can Code. Free coding activities for girls this #CSEdWeek—because innovation needs all voices.”
“From Idea to App. [Brand] is powering the next generation of computer scientists with free CSEdWeek challenges.”
“Grace Hopper Changed Computing. Now It's Your Turn. Free Hour of Code activities from [Brand]. Celebrate CSEdWeek Dec 8-14.”
Tips4
- Do: Partner with educators and schools directly—they're your amplifiers. Offer free resources, teacher guides, and professional development.
- Do: Lead with equity and inclusion. CSEdWeek emphasizes access for underrepresented groups; brands that center this message resonate most.
- Don't: Use overly technical jargon. Target parents & students who are curious but intimidated by CS—make it feel accessible, not gatekept.
- Do: Tie to real-world careers and real problems. Show how CS impacts healthcare, transportation, climate, sports, etc.—not just tech roles.
Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) first took off in 2009. It was created to get everyone talking about the importance of computer science education.
The week chosen for this celebration is significant because it includes December 9th, the birthday of Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneer in the field. She invented the first compiler and famously dealt with a real “bug” in a computer.
The launch was a group effort led by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and supported by several other big names in tech and education, including Google, Intel, and Microsoft.
The U.S. Congress officially recognized the week thanks to efforts highlighting the decline in computer science students. This celebration wasn’t just for talking; it was about doing. It aimed to engage students, teachers, and everyone interested in computing.
By 2010, an organization called Computing in the Core took the helm to integrate computer science into K-12 education. Then, in 2013, a new chapter began introducing the “Hour of Code” by Code.org. This initiative was a hit, reaching millions of students worldwide and making the Hour of Code a central part of CSEdWeek.
It became so successful that 2015 it was called the largest education campaign in history, reaching a milestone of 100 million hours served.
Although CSEdWeek has seen changes in leadership, with the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), its core mission remains the same.
It’s a community-led effort that thrives on the involvement of numerous partners and continues to inspire the next generation of computer scientists.
Embark on a Coding Adventure
Kick off the week by exploring the universe of code. Whether it’s navigating through the basics of Scratch or venturing into the realms of Minecraft for a coding quest, there’s a coding adventure waiting for every age group.
Robotics Rumble
Why not build your robot, buddy? Dive into the fascinating world of robotics, where you can assemble and program your mechanical friend. From using kits like Lego Mindstorms to navigating obstacle courses, robotics combines engineering with computer science for a hands-on learning experience.
Stargaze with NASA
Harness the power of coding to reach for the stars with NASA-inspired projects. Learn how coding propels spacecraft or explore Mars with the Mars rover through interactive lessons and activities. It’s your chance to code your way across the universe without leaving your classroom.
Virtual Reality Ventures
Step into the future with virtual reality (VR). Create or explore digital worlds with VR headsets, dive into games like Google Earth VR, or design your virtual escape. It’s a magical way to see how coding breathes life into new dimensions.
Augmented Reality Explorations
Augmented reality (AR) blends the digital with the real. Use your smartphone or tablet to chase Pokémon in Pokémon GO or try on new looks with Snapchat filters. AR shows how computer science can transform our everyday reality. Remember, Computer Science Education Week is more than just a series of events. It’s a gateway to understanding the role of technology in shaping our future. It’s about sparking curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among students, educators, and tech enthusiasts alike