CodeWizardsHQ, a provider of coding classes for kids and teens, has carried out a comprehensive study and identified the most and least progressive states when it comes to access and enrollment to computer science courses. Given the significance of computer science in the modern world, not having access to courses such as coding can put children at a significant disadvantage to their peers when it comes to opportunities when they are older. The study revealed that there are significant disparities based on the location and profiles of students.
The company analyzed data from Advocacy Coalition to determine a ranking from 1 to 50 (with 1 being the highest ranking) of each state’s I.T. progressiveness.
Ranking factors included: rural accessibility, race accessibility, minority student accessibility, female enrollment, economically disadvantaged student enrollment, and the number of high schools offering computer sciences to students. Overall, the United States has a national rural access rate of 49% for computer science studies and a minority student access rate of 72%.
Across the country, a total of 58% of high schools offer computer science as a subject, with a female enrollment rate of 31%. Additionally, there is a 52% rate of economically disadvantaged students enrolled in computer science overall.
Topping the rankings as #1 most progressive state for computer science study opportunities is South Carolina. The Palmetto State stood out on a number of factors. These include a high rural access rate of 92%, and a minority student access rate of 98%.
The data revealed that North Carolina has a rural access rate of 56% and a minority access rate of 70%, with 59% of high schools offering computer science. This places North Carolina in 29th position overall in America.
Most progressive states in computer science studies inclusivity ranking:
1. South Carolina
2. Arkansas
3. Maryland
4. Nevada
5. Alabama
Least progressive states in computer science studies inclusivity ranking:
46. Montana
47. Minnesota
48. Kansas
49. Idaho
50. Louisiana
You can see the full list here.