Canada launches CanCode, $50M coding program for K-12 students

The Government of Canada has launched a $50M program called CanCode, which will allow 500,000 K-12 students to learn coding and other digital skills. The program also aims to encourage young women, Indigenous Canadians, and under-represented groups to pursue careers in the STEM fields; and will provide 500 teachers with the necessary training and tools to teach these skills. “Coding skills are highly relevant in today’s scientific and technological careers, and they will only become more important in the future,” stated Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan. “That’s why it is essential that we teach these skills to young Canadians today so they have an advantage when they choose to pursue a career as a scientist, researcher or engineer.” Canada